Orbital

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review: Lots to flex?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 11 August 2023 18:00:00 +0530

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 was launched last month by the South Korean tech conglomerate at its second Galaxy Unpacked event of the year and the foldable phone will finally go on sale in India on August 18.

Last month, we discussed the arrival of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5. On this week's episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast, senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto talks to guest host Roydon Cerejo about Samsung's latest clamshell foldable phone.

While the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 comes with a cover display that is larger than its predecessor, the smartphone will face competition from the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra in India. Tune in to our latest episode to find out what we think about the smartphone.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Incremental upgrades (01:52)
A larger outer display (04:30)
Battery life (14:32)
Display and hinge (20:47)
Camera performance (28:46)
Outro (33:08)
Cover: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. Credit: Sheldon Pinto.

Infinix GT 10 Pro to Amazon's Great Freedom Festival sale — a tech news recap

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 04 August 2023 5:50:00 +0530

Amazon's Great Freedom Festival sale kicked off at midnight on Friday with offers, deals, and discounts on a wide range of products on the e-commerce platform. Last week, Samsung announced the price of the newly announced Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 in India and in global markets. Both phones are more expensive — at launch — than their predecessors.

On this week's episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast, senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto and guest host Roydon Cerejo team up to dicuss this week's most noteworthy events in the world of technology.

Meanwhile, it looks like the Nothing Phone 2 will continue to inspire more smartphones in India. After the Tecno Pova 5 Pro, Infinix also launched a new handset — the Infinix GT 10 Pro — that features LED lighting on the rear panel. Remember to stay tuned to Gadgets 360 for our review of the smartphone over the coming days.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Amazon Great Freedom Festival sale begins (00:59)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5 India pricing (03:25)
Infinix GT 10 Pro (17:12)
Outro (29:37)
Cover: Infinix GT 10 Pro. Credit: Infinix.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Fold 5: Unpacking Samsung's Latest Upgrades

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 26 July 2023 08:35:00 +0530

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 were launched by the company on Wednesday at its latest Galaxy Unpacked 2023 event. These are Samsung's latest foldable smartphones and come with a custom version of Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and a new Flex Hinge that is designed to be more durable.

On this week's episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast, senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto — who is currently in Seoul to attend the Galaxy Unpacked event — talks to guest host Roydon Cerejo after taking a look at the latest foldable smartphones from Samsung.

Samsung also announced the new Galaxy Tab S9 series of tablets which comprises three new models, and the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic at the latest Unpacked event. These devices come with a few hardware upgrades over their predecessors.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series (01:30)
Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic (05:40)
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 (08:11)
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 (11:10)
Outro (29:49)
Cover: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5.

iQoo Neo 7 Pro review: Flagship specs, accessible price

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 21 July 2023 09:30:00 +0530

The iQoo Neo 7 Pro costs less than Rs. 40,000 in India, but don't let its price fool you — this phone offers a lot of value in terms of hardware specifications, including Qualcomm's flagship-grade Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.

On this week's episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast, resident smartphone expert Pranav Hegde talks to host Siddharth Suvarna about iQoo's latest flagship phone and how it fares against the competition.

Are the iQoo Neo 7 Pro's specifications enough to set it apart from the likes of the OnePlus Nord 3, the Oppo Reno 10 Pro, and the OnePlus 11R? We attempt to answer these questions and more.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Price and specifications (01:28)
Design (04:53)
Gaming on the iQoo Neo 7 Pro (07:45)
Camera performance (11:10)
The competition (15:30)
Outro (21:35)
Cover: iQoo Neo 7 Pro. Photo credit: Pranav Hegde.

Hands-on with the Nothing Phone 2

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 14 July 2023 07:00:00 +0530

Carl Pei's UK startup Nothing is back with its second smartphone — the Nothing Phone 2. The new handset from Nothing bears an uncanny resemblance to its predecessor, with a few visual tweaks to distunguish the more expensive model. The phone made its debut in global markets, including India, earlier this week.

We discuss the Nothing Phone 2 on this week's episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast, as reviews editor Roydon Cerejo tells guest host and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto what he likes and dislikes about the latest handset from Nothing.

You get an improved version of the Glyph Interface on the Nothing Phone 2 along with a more powerful processor, improved cameras, and a larger screen and battery. But are all of these specifications and features enough to compete with phones in the same price segment? We discuss this and more on the latest episode.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
A look back at the Phone 1 (00:59)
Design changes (06:03)
Software and the Glyph Interface(12:07)
The competition (28:46)
Outro (33:52)
Cover: Nothing Phone 2. Photo credit: Roydon Cerejo.

OnePlus Nord 3 review: A competitive upgrade

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 7 July 2023 12:40:00 +0530

OnePlus is back with a new Nord-series smartphone — the OnePlus Nord 3. This handset arrives as the successor to the Nord 2 that was launched last year. Unlike its predecessor and the Nord 2T which brought minor and iterative upgrades, the OnePlus Nord 3 is equipped with some noteworthy hardware upgrades.

On this week's episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast, in-house device expert Pranav Hegde discusses OnePlus' latest mid-range smartphone with host Siddharth Suvarna.

From a powerful new processor, to the inclusion of the tri-state alert slider, there's a lot to like about the new OnePlus Nord 3 that was launched by the company this week. We also discuss the competition and what it has to offer over the new Nord-series handset from OnePlus.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
First impressions (00:56)
Design (07:55)
Camera (14:28)
Battery life (19:17)
Final verdict & the competition (23:25)
Outro (25:27)
Cover: OnePlus Nord 3. Photo credit: Pranav Hegde.

Nothing Phone 2 to Amazon Prime Day — what to expect in July

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 30 June 2023 14:10:00 +0530

Nothing Phone 2 is set to debut in India and global markets in July and the UK-based startup headed by OnePlus Co-Founder Carl Pei is set to launch its second phone with a transparent design. The phone will bring some serious upgrades over the Phone 1 that was launched last year.

Meanwhile, Amazon Prime Day 2023 is set to begin in India on July 15, and the e-commerce giant is expected to bring discounts, deals, and offers on a range of products during the sale. On this week's episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast, senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto talks to guest host Roydon Cerejo about what we're looking forward to in July.

We also discuss the latest rumours related to the iPhone 15 series of smartphones, as well as the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 handsets. The former is expected to compete with the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra that was recently launched in India. We discuss these topics and more on the latest episode.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Nothing Phone 2 (01:01)
Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event (13:47)
iPhone 15 and Apple Watch leaks (24:24)
Motorola Razr 40 (29:30)
Amazon Prime Day (34:01)
Outro (37:55)
Cover: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. Photo credit: Sheldon Pinto.

Xiaomi Pad 6 review: Great value

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 23 June 2023 14:10:00 +0530

Xiaomi's latest mid-range tablet is here in the form of the Xiaomi Pad 6 and the company's newest offering doesn't seem to have a lot of competition from other brands this year. The tablet features a few notable upgrades in terms of hardware over its predecessor.

Is the Xiaomi Pad 6 the best Android tablet you can buy in its price segment? Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde discusses this and more with guest host Sheldon Pinto on the latest weekly episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast.

Does the company offer a good choice of accessories with the Xiaomi Pad 6? Does it perform well enough for you use the tablet as your primary work device instead of your laptop? We discuss these questions and more on the latest episode.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Pricing (01:13)
Display quality (08:10)
Performance (15:40)
Accessories (19:41)
Battery life (21:39)
Cameras (29:16)
Outro (35:55)
Cover: Xiaomi Pad 6. Photo credit: Pranav Hegde

Summer games recap: All the best announcements

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 15 June 2023 17:45:00 +0530

We've already seen several noteworthy games arrive in the first half of 2023, from Diablo 4 to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Over the past two weeks, we've discovered details about some of the most exciting games scheduled to release later this year.

On this week's episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast, entertainment and games reporter Rahul Chettiyar teams up with industry insider and Orbital veteran Rishi Alwani to talk to host Pranav Hegde about some of the most exciting games to look forward to in 2023 and beyond.

We also discuss Microsoft's ongoing struggles with its deal to acquire Activision Blizzard in the US and the UK. Will a takeover by Microsoft be beneficial for users in the long run? Find out more on this episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Announcements recap (00:42)
What Indian gamers are excited about (05:00)
Diablo 4 (10:40)
Microsoft's Activision takeover woes (15:52)
Our favourite announcements (21:39)
Outro (25:24)
Cover: Xbox One controller. Photo credit: Unsplash/ Louis-Philippe Poitras

WWDC 2023 recap: A new journey begins with the Apple Vision Pro

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 8 June 2023 13:15:00 +0530

At Apple's most exciting Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote event in several years, the company announced the launch of its first mixed reality headset — the Apple Vision Pro. The wearable device will be sold in the US next year and is equipped with several advanced sensors and two powerful chips designed by the company.

On this week's episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast, senior reviewer Ali Pardiwala — speaking from Apple's headquarters in California — and Gadgets 360 executive editor Jamshed Avari, join Orbital guest host Roydon Cerejo to talk about the most noteworthy announcements made by Apple at its annual developer conference.

Aside from its first mixed reality headset, Apple also unveiled a new 15-inch MacBook Air model, along with a new Mac Studio and Mac Pro — all powered by Apple's M2 processor. The company also unveiled iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS Sonoma, and watchOS 10, which are expected to arrive later this year.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Apple Reality Pro (00:37)
MacBook Air 15 (15:20)
New Mac Studio and Mac Pro (21:56)
Software updates (25:53)
Final thoughts (33:41)
Outro (35:08)
Cover: Apple Vision Pro. Photo credit: Ali Pardiwala

What to expect from Apple's WWDC 2023 event

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 2 June 2023 14:00:00 +0530

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is set to kick off on June 5 at 10am PT (10:30pm IST) and the company is expected to announce its first mixed reality headset, a device that isn't expected to be available until later this year.

This week on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast, senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto and Orbital guest host Roydon Cerejo get together to discuss all the leaks, rumours, and news coverage ahead of Apple's 34th WWDC event.

At WWDC 2023, we can expect to see Apple announce the purported Reality Pro headset as well as new versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS. The company is also expected to unveil a new operating system for Apple's mixed reality headset that will reportedly be called xrOS.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Apple Reality Pro (01:50)
New Mac computers? (15:45)
iOS 17 (21:05)
watchOS updates(27:50)
Rumour roundup (30:30)
Outro (33:10)
Cover: Motorola Edge 40. Photo credit: Pranav Hegde

Motorola Edge 40 first impressions

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 26 May 2023 15:00:00 +0530

The midrange smartphone segment in India is very competitve with manufacturers offering a variety of specifications. Motorola claims that its latest handset is the world's thinnest 5G phone with an IP68 rating.

On this week's episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast, resident smartphone expert Pranav Hegde teams up with Orbital host Siddharth Suvarna to talk about the Motorola Edge 40.

With a dual rear camera setup, 68W Turbo Power wired charging, and a curved 144Hz OLED display, the Motorola Edge 40 has a lot to offer. It is also one of the cheapest Android phones to offer wireless charging support. You can read our first impressions of the Motorola Edge 40 and stay tuned for our full review of the phone.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Price (00:35)
Design (02:15)
Display (08:13)
Cameras (14:07)
The competition (21:14)
Outro (22:55)
Cover: Motorola Edge 40. Photo credit: Pranav Hegde

Samsung Galaxy A34 5G review: Capable mid-range performer

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 19 May 2023 12:25:00 +0530

Earlier this week, Sammsung launched the Galaxy A34 5G in India. The latest addition to the company's Galaxy A series of smartphones brings some notable upgrades over its predecessor.

Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde talks to Orbital host Siddharth Suvarna about his experience with Samsung's new A-series smartphone.

How will the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G fare against similarly priced rivals like the Nothing Phone 1 or the iQoo Neo 7? Listen to the episode to find out, and read our review of the Samsung Galaxy A34 5G on the Gadgets 360 website.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Design (01:50)
Performance and software (07:55)
Cameras (13:08)
Battery life (17:52)
The competition (23:24)
Outro (26:07)
Cover: Samsung Galaxy A34 5G. Photo credit: Pranav Hegde

Google I/O recap: Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, new AI tools arrive

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 12 May 2023 14:00:00 +0530

Google I/O 2023 kicked off earlier this week and the search giant wasted no time in telling us that it cares about AI. This year, Google is going to supercharge its apps, services, and Android operating system with AI technology.

The company also launched the Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet at the event. As of now, only the midrange Pixel 7a will be sold in India, according to the company.

Gadgets 360 deputy news editor Siddharth Suvarna and executive editor Jamshed Avari join Orbital host Pranav Hegde to discuss some of the most important announcements from Google I/O 2023.

We also discuss some of the other AI-powered features coming to apps like Google Photos, Google Maps, Gmail, and Google Workspace.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Pixel 7a (00:50)
Pixel Fold (12:36)
Pixel Tablet (24:30)
Artificial intelligence (31:30)
Android 14 (41:00)
Outro (43:02)
Cover: Google I/O. Photo credit: Google

OnePlus Pad first impressions: Looks good, feels better

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 03 May 2023 17:00:00 +0530

OnePlus has launched several handssets over the years since the first OnePlus One, branching out into other product categories includinng audio products, TVs, and wearables. The company recently launched its first tablet in India.

With the new OnePlus Pad that is sold in a Halo Green colour option, the Chinese firm has stepped into unknown territory, in a market dominated by Apple's iPad.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto who has spent some time with the OnePlus Pad talks to Orbital host Pranav Hegde to discuss the company's new tablet and how it fares against the competition.

Is the OnePlus Pad a device that can replace your laptop? How does the software contribute to the user experience? Don't forget to keep an eye out for Sheldon's review of the OnePlus Pad, which should be out soon.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Design (02:54)
Performance (10:00)
Battery (14:16)
Missing features (16:40)
The keyboard (20:50)
Outro (27:24)
Cover: OnePlus Pad. Photo credit: Sheldon Pinto

Vivo X90 Pro: Vivo giveth and Vivo taketh away

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0530

Vivo's latest X series phone was launched in India earlier this week. The new Vivo X90 Pro arrives as the successor to last year's Vivo X80 Pro. Both of these handsets have been reviewed on Gadgets 360.

The Vivo X90 Pro comes with some notable hardware upgrades, especially to the primary camera sensor. However, some features found on last year's Vivo X80 Pro are nowhere to be found on this year's model.

Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde and Orbital guest host Roydon Cerejo get together to discuss the Vivo X90 Pro and some of its most noteworthy features.

Is the Vivo X90 Pro a phone that can be easily recommended to buyers who are looking for a high-performance smartphone, or a handset with high-end camera specifications? Listen to the episode and don't forget to read our review of the Vivo X90 Pro to find out.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Camera specifications (05:10)
Performance (16:48)
Display (21:02)
Software (25:20)
Pricing and the competition (30:30)
Outro (38:58)
Cover: Vivo X90 Pro. Photo credit: Pranav Hegde

Xiaomi 13 Ultra to Apple's New Stores — a tech news recap

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 16:45:00 +0530

Earlier this week, Apple opened its first store in India. Several years after Apple launched its first product in the country, the CEO of the Cupertino company visited India to inaugurate new stores in Mumbai and Delhi.

Chinese smartphone makers also released new devices this week — Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the company's top-of-the-line handset with flagship specifications made its debut in China, while Vivo launched new foldables, the Vivo X Fold 2, Vivo X Flip. There's no word on when these devices will make their way to India.

Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto talk to Orbital host Siddharth Suvarna about the most important gadgets related news from this week.

This week, there were nultiple reports that Apple's upcoming iPhone models will feature the Dynamic Island but won't feature the rumoured solid state buttons. Google might also unveil its first foldable phone next month, according to recent reports. Only time will tell if these handsets will make their debut in India.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Apple Stores in India(00:40)
Xiaomi 13 Ultra (12:01)
Google Pixel Fold (20:31)
Motorola's 2023 foldables (27:30)
Outro (34:25)
Cover: Xiaomi 13 Ultra. Photo credit: Xiaomi

Apple Store Finally Comes to India: Here's What You Can Expect

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 14 April 2023 17:30:00 +0530

Apple is finally opening Apple Stores in India. The first Apple Store in India, dubbed Apple BKC, is scheduled to open on April 18 in Mumbai. Apple has also announced that it'll be opening a second store in Saket, New Delhi, on April 20.

Executive editor Jamshed Avari and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital host Pranav Hegde to discuss the Apple Store opening in India and what it means to the consumers.

The first Apple Store is opening in Mumbai at the Jio World Drive mall in Bandra Kurla Complex. The store is simply called Apple BKC, and is clad in barricades that are inspired by the art seen on the famous Kali-peeli taxis of Mumbai. The second store, Apple Saket, is opening in Saket, New Delhi, and this one has barricades that showcase the various historial gates in Delhi.

There's a lot of hype behind the opening of the first Apple Stores in India? Why is that so? And what can you expect from the official stores that you may not find in other retail stores. We discuss this and more on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
What Makes the Apple Store Special (02:10)
The Apple Store Experience (05:20)
Apple BKC and Commitment to India (09:24)
Apple Online Store and Service (14:30)
Brand Value, Offers, More (21:46)
Outro (25:56)
Cover: Apple Store BKC. Photo credit: Apple

OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G Review: Can it Dominate the Rs. 20,000 Segment?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 06 April 2023 17:30:00 +0530

OnePlus' latest Nord CE 3 Lite launched in India earlier this week with a sub-Rs.20,000 price tag for the base variant. The smartphone has a stylish design and has some decent specifications that make it a good value for money. It also has several competitors in the segment.

Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital guest host Roydon Cerejo to discuss the newly launched OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite and the competition.

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite offers a pleasing design and decent specifications for the price. OnePlus Nord smartphones have done quite well in India, and according to the company, the Nord CE 2 Lite was the best selling 5G smartphone on Amazon India.

Will the Nord CE 3 Lite from OnePlus also sell like hotcakes? How does it perform? What does it offer, and how does it fare against its competition. We discuss this and more on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
What's New With Nord CE 3 Lite (03:15)
Design and Camera (05:27)
Software (13:17)
Display, Performance, and Competition (21:37)
Final thoughts (30:15)
Outro (34:06)
Cover: OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite. Photo credit: Pranav Hegde / Gadgets 360

2023 So Far: The Most Interesting Phones and Tech of Q1

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:30:00 +0530

There have been several interesting phones and tech that were announced in the first quarter of 2023. From some of the most powerful smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, iQoo 11 5G, to AI-based chat services such as ChatGPT. We also saw plenty of new mid-range smartphones being launched, and a change in price segments across phones.

Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde and executive editor Jamshed Avari join Orbital guest host Roydon Cerejo to discuss the most interesting tech and phones so far in 2023.

As the years go by, we're also seeing a change in trends related to customer behaviour when purchasing smartphones. Manufacturers are offering launch day discounts and deals with no-cost EMI, exchange bonuses, etc to make it easier for customers to buy smartphones.

What were the most interesting smartphones and tech events in the first quarter of 2023, how is customer behaviour and price segments changing in regards to new smartphone purchases, and what does the future hold? We discuss this and more on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
The Value Price Segment (05:54)
Budget Phones (09:27)
Finance Schemes (13:19)
Favourite Product/Tech (19:00)
Final thoughts (26:47)
Outro (29:20)
Cover: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Photo credit: Sheldon Pinto / Gadgets 360

Realme C55 first impressions + Mini Capsule

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 24 Mar 2023 17:30:00 +0530

Months after Apple repurposed its large display notch in the form of the Dynamic Island, a software-powered notification system that reimagines a pill-shaped camera cutout, the first Android smartphone that clones the same feature is here in the form of the Realme C55 - a budget phone with an expanding hole-punch camera cutout.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto and executive editor Jamshed Avari join Orbital host Siddharth Suvarna to discuss the new Realme C55.

Even though Realme might not want the Mini Capsule to be the defining feature of the Realme C55, it's probably the phone's most discussed hardware feature.

Why did Realme choose to introduce this feature on a budget smartphone instead of a mid-range or flagship handset? How does the feature compare to Apple's implementation? We discuss this on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Design (06:06)
The Mini Capsule (11:11)
Dynamic Island comparison (15:59)
Hardware specifications (29:53)
Final thoughts (32:59)
Outro (33:55)
Cover: Realme C55. Photo credit: Sheldon Pinto/ Gadgets 360

Oppo Find N2 Flip review: Finding balance

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 17 Mar 2023 16:27:00 +0530

Oppo announced its first foldable phone to debut in India, the Oppo Find N2 Flip. It's quite a mouthful of a name, just like its only competition in the country, the Sasmsung Galaxy Z Flip 4.

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Roydon Cerejo talks to Orbital guest host Sheldon Pinto about Oppo's new foldable phone on the latest episode.

The Oppo Find N2 Flip will compete with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 in India, and Samsung's foldable phones finally have some competition in the country. Oppo's first foldable phone has a slightly larger external display than its competitor.

However, there are two features that are widely available on most flagship phones are not found on the Oppo Find N2 Flip. Are they a dealbreaker? Or is this a go-to phone for foldable smartphone enthusiasts in India? Listen to the latest episode to find out.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Displays (05:05)
Software customisation (19:43)
Camera (23:15)
Charging and battery life (27:12)
Final thoughts (30:06)
Outro (33:35)
Cover: Oppo Find N2 Flip. Photo credit: Roydon Cerejo/ Gadgets 360

Xiaomi 13 Pro review: Lots to Leica

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 10 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +0530

Xiaomi is asking for a lot of money to purchase its latest flagship phone, the Xiaomi 13 Pro — especially when you consider the price of its predecessor. However, this year's Xiaomi 13 Pro is equipped with some notable upgrades, especially in the camera department.

Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde, who has spent a couple of weeks with Xiaomi's latest high-end smartphone, talks to Orbital guest host and Gadgets 360 reviews editor Roydon Cerejo on the latest episode.

The Xiaomi 13 Pro is equipped with Leica-tuned cameras and features impressive specifications in the imaging department, at least on paper. It is also powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, but how does it perform in day-to-day use? Is using MIUI 14 on the Xiaomi 13 Pro a pleasant experience? Listen to the episode to find out more.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Camera performance (01:51)
Flagship hardware (15:46)
Design and build quality (18:00)
MIUI and software support (22:17)
Final thoughts (26:57)
Outro (30:15)
Cover: Xiaomi 13 Pro. Photo credit: Pranav Hegde/ Gadgets 360

AR glasses, rollable phones and other futuristic devices at MWC 2023

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 3 Mar 2023 17:40:00 +0530

The annual Mobile World Congress (MWC) event is the world's biggest smartphone-centric event, giving smartphone enthusiasts an idea of what to expect from their favourite brands this year.

Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde who was in Barcelona this week, tells senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto and Orbital guest host and Gadgets 360 executive editor Jamshed Avari that MWC 2023 was a very lively event. The annual event saw the launch of the Xiaomi 13 series in global markets and the arrival of the Xiaomi 13 Pro in India.

The OnePlus 11 Concept phone, a device with liquid cooling technology, was also unveiled at the event. Meanwhile, Motorola also revealed a new Rizr smartphone prototype that sports a unique rollable display.

Companies like Xiaomi also unveiled new AR glasses powered by Qualcomm's latest wearable technology, while Tecno launched a new foldable handset that will also be sold in India. Nokia has announced phones that can easily be repaired.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
The Xiaomi 13 series (03:23)
Motorola's rollable Rizr prototype (13:48)
OnePlus 11 Concept (27:06)
A fully repairable Nokia phone(32:15)
Xiaomi and Oppo's AR glasses (43:36)
Outro (47:06)
Cover: OnePlus 11 Concept phone

Xiaomi India's Muralikrishnan B — Orbital exclusive

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 23 Feb 2023 18:45:00 +0530

After facing some headwinds in India last year, Xiaomi is raring to take on the competition in the country in 2023. What does the company have planned for one of its biggest markets? We ask Xiaomi's top executive on this week's Orbital episode.

The smartphone maker is gearing up to launch its flagship Xiaomi 13 Pro smartphone in India next week. It will be the first flagship handset from the company to make its debut in the country in 2023. The Xiaomi 13 Pro is also the first phone from Xiaomi to arrive in India equipped with cameras tuned by Leica.

Xiaomi India president Muralikrishnan B and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital guest host and Gadgets 360 executive editor Jamshed Avari to talk about Xiaomi in India, the upcoming Xiaomi 13 Pro, and the rollout of 5G and the company's 5G push in the country.

Will Xiaomi beat other brands in the country across various price segments this year? What does it have planned for its vast product portfolio? What do Xiaomi's customers expect from 5G networks and the company's 5G capable smartphones? Find out on this week's episode of Orbital.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
The Xiaomi 13 Pro (04:38)
The mid-range segment (15:14)
Customer expectations (22:31)
Plans for 2023 (27:38)
Make in India (29:00)
Outro (30:29)
Cover: Muralikrishnan B. Photo Credit: Xiaomi

iQoo Neo 7 5G Review: Plenty of power

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 16 Feb 2023 18:05:00 +0530

The newly launched iQoo Neo 7 5G packs a lot of power without costing a fortune. It's the first phone to debut in India with MediaTek's recently launched Dimensity 8200 SoC under the hood.

Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital host Siddharth Suvarna to discuss the latest smartphone from iQoo and how it stacks up agasint the competition inm terms of price and performance.

The successor to last year's well-received iQoo Neo 6 has big shoes to fill — it brings significant improvements in some aspects. However,the company also appears to have cut some corners in order to sell the handset at it's current price.

We discuss how iQoo's latest smartphone, which is equipped with a powerful chipset but may not have a camera setup that appeals to every user, could fare against offerings from brands like Xiaomi and Realme. You can also read our first impressions of the iQoo Neo 7 5G on our website Gadgets 360. Stay tuned for our full review which is also expected to be out soon.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Display (07:28)
Performance (10:13)
Software (14:09)
Cameras (21:09)
The competition (34:27)
Outro (40:17)

Cover: iQoo Neo 7 5G. Photo Credit: Pranav Hegde/ Gadgets 360

OnePlus 11 5G + OnePlus Buds Pro 2 Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 10 Feb 2023 18:42:00 +0530

The OnePlus 11 5G and the company's flagship OnePlus Buds Pro 2 made their debut at the company's Cloud 11 launch event on Tuesday. If you're looking for a smartphone running Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, is one of the few options worth considering.

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and audio expert Ali Pardiwala join Orbital host Siddharth Suvarna to get a better understanding of how these devices fit into OnePlus' portfolio.

Should you buy the OnePlus 11 5G in 2023? Or does its predecessor — the OnePlus 10 Pro — offer better value for money? How do the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 differ from the cheaper OnePlus Buds Pro 2R?

We also discuss several other products announced by OnePlus at the event, including the OnePlus 11R and OnePlus Pad, a new premium OnePlus TV, a mechanical keyboard, and a wireless router.

Don't forget to read our reviews for the OnePlus 11 5G and the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 on Gadgets 360.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Performance (03:18)
Cameras (09:28)
OnePlus Buds Pro 2 (15:01)
A new tablet (21:20)
The OnePlus 11R? (29:06)
Outro (38:21)

Cover: OnePlus 11 5G. Photo Credit: Roydon Cerejo/ Gadgets 360

Samsung Galaxy S23 series: First impressions

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 03 Feb 2023 17:15:00 +0530

Samsung Galaxy S23 series — comprising the Samsung Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+ and the Galaxy S23 Ultra — were launched by the South Korean conglomerate on Wednesday. These smartphones are the successors to the company's Galaxy S22 lineup.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto and reviews editor Roydon Cerejo join Orbital host Pranav Hegde to discuss Pinto's first impressions of the Samsung Galaxy S23 series after he tried out the handsets earlier this week.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra brings some notable upgrades over its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. But should you consider upgrading to the new vanilla Galaxy S23 or Galaxy S23 Plus from an older S22 phone?

Should you wait for other smartphones with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset to debut, or should you pick a phone with the custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC that launched on the Galaxy S23 series? We discuss this and more on this week's episode of Orbital.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Pricing (01:26)
Ultra upgrades (04:16)
Design (11:06)
Cameras (12:57)
The competition (25:56)
Outro (31:11)

Cover: Samsung Galaxy S23 series.

Infinix Zero Ultra 5G review: A hard sell

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 27 Jan 2023 18:20:00 +0530

Infinix Zero Ultra 5G was recently launched in India and the smartphone packs an interesting set of features, including a curved AMOLED display and support for 180W charging.

Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital host Siddharth Suvarna to talk about Infinix's latest smartphone and how it fares agasint the competition.

This phone is touted to offer the fastest charging speed in the country at the moment, but is that enough to convince customers to but this phone? It also features a 200-megapixel rear camera, but how does that fare in day-to-day use?.

Is the Infinix Zero Ultra 5G worth it's asking price? Or should you wait for the price to fall and look at what the competition has to offer instead? We discuss this and more on this week's episode of Orbital.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Design (3:01)
Display (05:29)
Performance (10:50)
Battery and charging (18:30)
Camera performance (23:00)
The competition (30:20)
Outro (41:07)

Cover: Infinix Zero Ultra.

iQoo 11 Review: Power meets performance

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 20 Jan 2023 18:00:00 +0530

The first flagship phone for 2023 has finally arrived in India. Weeks ahead of the competition, the iQoo 11 was launched in the country and offers flagship-grade performance with a modern design.

Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital guest host and reviews editor Roydon Cerejo to discuss iQoo's latest flagship phone.

How does the iQoo 11 fare in day-to-day usage? On paper, this phone boasts impressive specifications, even though it's more expensive than last year's model.

With the OnePlus 11 and Samsung's Galaxy S23 series right around the corner, is it worth buying the iQoo 11 5G today? We discuss this and a lot more on this week's episode.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Confusing lineage (10:43)
Design (06:46)
Performance (13:04)
What's new? (24:39)
Should you wait? (38:43)
Outro (46:31)

Cover: iQoo 11. Photo credits: Gadgets 360/ Pranav Hegde.

Is 2023 the year foldables go big?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 18:30:00 +0530

Samsung has had the foldables smartphone segment to itself for a couple of years. Can 2023 change that?

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital host Akhil Arora to talk about just that.

We discuss all the expected announcements in 2023, from the rumoured Pixel Fold to Samsung’s next generation of the Z Fold and Z Flip.

Along the way, we touch upon their pros and cons, and wonder what’s keeping the likes of Oppo and Vivo from entering the Indian foldables market.

But that’s not all for this episode — there’s one more thing.

An announcement from Orbital: Arora, who has hosted the flagship Gadgets 360 podcast for the last two years, is stepping away.

Pranav Hegde and Siddharth Suvarna — both of whom have guest hosted Orbital in the past — will be taking over. David Delima continues as Orbital producer.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Growing popularity (05:26)
Are they useful? (10:56)
Cameras (16:32)
Upcoming foldables (18:29)
A folding Pixel? (24:23)
CES and the future (26:03)
Farewell, Akhil! (30:59)
Outro (35:09)

Photo credits: Samsung, Vivo, Oppo.

Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 18:30:00 +0530

The Redmi Note 12 Pro+ was launched in India on Thursday. The phone is the successor to the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G that was launched in India last year.

Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital guest host Siddharth Suvarna to discuss Redmi's latest midrange smartphone.

The company's popular Redmi Note series has breached the Rs. 25,000 price point for the first time in India. Does it offer the same value for money as its predecessor?

We discuss the phone's design, its camera performance, battery life, and whether it's a good choice for gamers.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Camera performance (03:16)
Design (14:54)
Gaming performance (17:36)
Battery life (22:25)
Worth upgrading? (27:03)
Outro (34:09)

Photo credits: Gadgets 360/ Pranav Hegde.

Best Games of 2022

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0530

From Elden Ring to BGMI’s ban, 2022 has thrown a lot at us in the realm of video games.

Industry insider and Orbital veteran Rishi Alwani and Screen Rant game guides editor Akshay Bhalla join Orbital host Akhil Arora to talk about the year of 2022 in gaming.

Read: Gadgets 360’s favourite games from 2022

We discuss the biggest news developments of the year, our favourite games from 2022, and what we want (and don’t want) in 2023.

Along the way, we touch upon the continued inventory struggles of the PS5, and how we feel about Web3 and blockchain “gaming” efforts.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Questions on Starfield (00:56)
The GTA VI leak (02:10)
BGMI goes poof (04:17)
Microsoft’s $69 billion troubles (05:49)
Our favourite games (17:25)
Looking to 2023 (21:46)
Where is true next-gen? (28:46)
Outro (35:10)

Cover composite: Akhil Arora/Gadgets 360. Photo credits: Rockstar Games, Insomniac Games, Activision Blizzard, Aneesh Arora, SuperGaming, Krafton, Bethesda, Capcom.

Realme 10 Pro+ review: money, money, money

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 13:30:00 +0530

Thanks to inflation and market factors, Realme’s new phone has lost its mid-range crown.

Gadgets 360 executive editor Jamshed Avari and reviewer Pranav Hegde join Orbital host Akhil Arora to talk about the Realme 10 Pro+.

We discuss how the 10 Pro+ is a couple of steps down on the 9 Pro+, launched in February this year, with a missing 3.5mm jack and optical image stabilisation (OIS). That said, you do get a new curved AMOLED display.

We also delve into Realme’s software struggles, with the 10 Pro+ float of bloatware and advertisements that were putting suggestive content front and centre, until it was brought to Realme’s notice.

But why is all this — from the incessant ads to features being removed — happening? Tune into the new Orbital episode to find out.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Changing track (00:35)
But why?! (06:18)
What else is gone? (11:10)
The display (15:39)
Coming up (21:23)
Oh, Realme (24:33)
Outro (38:01)

Photo credits: Pranav Hegde/Gadgets 360, Xiaomi

What is 5G like in India right now?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 13:30:00 +0530

5G is now available both on Android and iPhone in India. But is it any good?

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Ali Pardiwala, video producer Aditya Nath Jha, and senior sub-editor Siddhant Chandra join Orbital host Akhil Arora to tell us more.

Jha and Chandra talk about when and how they got access, and what their experience has been like so far.

Pardiwala details the differences in Jio and Airtel’s 5G approaches, and how it impacts what they are doing today — and tomorrow.

And towards the end, we attempt to answer a big question for many: should you switch from a 4G to 5G phone?

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
The setup (00:24)
The performance (09:34)
Should I bother? (23:48)
Outro (25:57)

Cover: Z z. Photo credits: Shiwa ID, Frederik Lipfert

Realme Pad X review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 9 Dec 2022 14:30:00 +0530

Apple is increasingly moving upward in iPad pricing, leaving room for competitors behind it.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto and reviewer Pranav Hegde join Orbital guest host Siddharth Suvarna to talk about the Realme Pad X.

With the new 2022 iPad starting at Rs. 44,900, Android tablet makers have the budget segment all to themselves. (Unless you’re counting older models.)

Starting at Rs. 20,000, the Pad X offers a 10.95-inch display akin to the new iPad, though they aren’t of the same quality naturally.

That is also true of its cameras and performance, but when you’re paying less than half, this is what you ought to expect.

Tune into the episode to hear us delve into all those aspects — and what alternatives you should consider.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Pricing (01:24)
Accessories (05:56)
Performance (12:28)
Display (16:37)
Cameras (24:32)
The competition (28:05)
Outro (33:44)

Photo credits: Pranav Hegde/Gadgets 360

The Best Phones of 2022

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 1 Dec 2022 16:00:00 +0530

We’re into the final month of 2022, and naturally, it’s time to put the year in a nutshell.

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital host Akhil Arora to talk about the best phones of 2022.

We discuss how continued supply chain troubles, China’s policy struggles with COVID-19 lockdowns, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine played havoc with smartphone parts prices.

Still, there were a fair few great phones this year.

Samsung continues to do great work with foldables (it’s the only one), while Google returned to India’s flagship segment in form. We also take note of specialist phones and ones that stand out in their segment.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Pixel 7 (04:28)
iPhone 14 Pro (10:38)
iPhone 14 Plus (15:24)
Xiaomi 12 Pro (18:53)
OnePlus 10 Pro (21:43)
Galaxy Z Flip 4 (26:16)
ROG Phone 6 (30:07)
Nothing Phone 1 (34:10)
OnePlus 10R (37:42)
Galaxy S22 Ultra (43:32)
Vivo X80 Pro (49:23)
Outro (54:11)

Cover: Samsung. Photo credits: Sheldon Pinto/Gadgets 360, Apple, Roydon Cerejo/Gadgets 360, Samsung, OnePlus.

Asus ROG Phone 6 and 6 Pro review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 14:00:00 +0530

Nearly half a year after they were announced, Asus’ latest gaming phones are now in India.

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital guest host Pranav Hegde to talk about the ROG Phone 6 and 6 Pro.

We talk about the improvements on the hardware front, the range of gaming peripherals they support, and how the five-month delay in being put up for sale poses an issue for Asus in India.

More importantly, there’s a big price jump. While the ROG Phone 5 and 5 Pro cost Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 70,000 respectively, their 6 and 6 Pro counterparts are now at Rs. 72,000 and Rs. 90,000. That’s asking a lot.

Should you consider the old over the new? Are the ROG Phone 6 and 6 Pro good enough on their own? Tune into our episode to find those answers.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Pricing (03:54)
Performance (09:47)
Peripherals and accessories (12:10)
Overall experience (23:34)
The cameras (34:34)
Too late? (43:14)
Outro (47:05)

Cover: Roydon Cerejo/Gadgets 360. Photo credits: Sheldon Pinto/Gadgets 360, Cerejo/Gadgets 360

The best earphones and headphones for every budget

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 18:00:00 +0530

Buying a pair of earphones or headphones can be very confusing, if you don't know exactly what you're looking for. There are a wide range of brands across various price segments, each offering several features.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Ali Pardiwala and Trakin Tech executive producer Ershad Kaleebullah join Orbital guest host Pranav Hegde to talk about the best wireless earphones available in India today.

Should you buy a pair of affordable TWS earbuds? Or is it better to save up for a while and buy a better pair of earbuds?

Not completely convinced that you need a pair of wireless earphones? Should you consider a pair of wired earbuds instead? Listen to this week's episode to find out.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
The price factor (01:12)
Are neckband earphones passé? (08:26)
Affordable TWS earphones (10:21)
TWS earphones near Rs. 10,000 (14:11)
High-end earphones (30:03)
Our top wired and wireless picks (41:57)
Outro (48:38)

Cover: Gadgets 360. Photo credits: Pranav Hegde/Gadgets 360.

iPad (2022) Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 15:00:00 +0530

Apple recently launched the tenth generation of its entry level iPad. However, unlike recent models that have been relatively affordable, the iPad (2022) is priced much higher than last year's model.

Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital host Akhil Arora to talk about Apple's latest tablet, what it has to offer, and whether it's worth upgrading from an older model.

This year, Apple has brought a few upgrades, such as the addition of a USB Type-C port in place of its proprietary Lightning port and an improved front-facing camera located on the side bezel instead of at the top. However, using a first-generation Apple Pencil with the latest iPad could be a tricky affair.

Should you buy the latest iPad (2022) model or pick the one-year-old 9th generation model instead? What are the biggest upgrades with this year's model? Listen to this week's episode to find out.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Specifications and upgrades (02:42)
Performance (12:15)
Accessories (17:37)
Pricing (22:57)
The competition (29:21)
Outro (41:37)

Cover: Gadgets 360. Photo credits: Pranav Hegde/Gadgets 360.

Pixel 7 and 7 Pro review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 4 Nov 2022 15:30:00 +0530

After four years, Google is back in the premium smartphone segment. Should you care?

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital host Akhil Arora to talk about the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.

Having had both phones for a few weeks, Pinto tells us what Google’s new phones are like. We discuss cameras, software, battery life, and the competition.

Along the way, we touch upon their India pricing, and wonder if Google is truly committed this time around.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Pixel 7 (0:40)
Pixel 7 Pro (15:09)
Outro (40:51)

Photo credits: Sheldon Pinto/Gadgets 360

The best phone under Rs. 30,000

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 12:00:00 +0530

It’s been a while since we asked this question on Orbital: What is the best phone under Rs. 30,000 in India right now?

Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde and consultant sub editor Siddhant Chandra join Orbital host Akhil Arora to tell us just that.

Read: The best phones under Rs. 30,000

We discuss what has changed in the past 18 months, why you should be ready to make compromises, and the phones you should consider depending on your requirements.

Along the way, we delve into the features that matter and the ones that merely sound good. Lastly, we talk about expected launches in the near future.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Added interest (0:22)
What not to expect (04:02)
What to expect (06:39)
Alternatives (18:24)
Upcoming (27:07)
Outro (32:11)

Cover: Sheldon Pinto/Gadgets 360. Photo credits: Xiaomi, Roydon Cerejo/Gadgets 360, Pinto/Gadgets 360.

iPad and iPad Pro 2022 + iPhone 14 Pro review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 12:45:00 +0530

Apple dumped three new iPads, and a new Apple TV 4K on us this week.

Gadgets 360 executive editor Jamshed Avari and reviews editor Roydon Cerejo join Orbital host Akhil Arora to discuss all of them.

The new 10th-gen redesigned iPad loses the home button, gains USB Type-C, and is boosted in price. It now starts at Rs. 44,900 in India.

The sixth-gen iPad Pros get 5G and Apple’s M2 chip, but that too means price increases. The 11-inch model begins at Rs. 81,900, while the 12.9-inch variant is all the way up at Rs. 1,12,900.

Thankfully, the new Apple TV 4K is getting a lower price, now available at Rs. 14,900.

Tune into the new Orbital episode to hear us talk about all those. And stay till the end for our iPhone 14 Pro review.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Event spin-off (00:18)
iPad 2022 (04:25)
New iPad Pros (07:30)
Apple TV 4K (17:20)
iPhone 14 Pro review (23:42)
Outro (35:37)

Photo credits: Apple

Redmi Pad Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 15:00:00 +0530

Redmi recently launched a new budget tablet in India, that is priced below the Rs. 20,000 mark. The tablet features a 10.61-inch IPS LCD display and is available in Graphite Grey, Mint Green, and Moonlight Silver colour options.

Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde and consultant sub editor Siddhant Chandra join Orbital host Akhil Arora to talk about this new tablet and whether it is worth your consideration.

The Redmi Pad will compete with offerings from Realme, including the Realme Pad Air, that was launched in India earlier this year.

Does the Redmi Pad have what it takes to be the best budget tablet you can buy under Rs. 20,000? Listen to this week's episode to find out.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Pricing and configurations (03:49)
Specifications (06:20)
App experience (13:48)
Gaming on the Redmi Pad (18:28)
Where are the accessories? (21:15)
Battery life (23:27)
Outro (26:30)

Cover: Gadgets 360. Photo credits: Gadgets 360/ Pranav Hegde.

5G is here. Should you buy a 4G phone?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 7 Oct 2022 15:45:00 +0530

5G is starting to roll out in India. Is this still a good time to purchase a 4G-only smartphone?

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto and reviewer Pranav Hegde join Orbital host Akhil Arora to discuss just that — through the perspective of the Moto G72.

Read: Moto G72 hands-on: promising all-rounder misses out on 5G

Launched earlier this week, the Moto G72 is a sub-Rs. 20,000 phone that offers a 120Hz HDR OLED display, a 108-megapixel rear camera, and a big 5000mAh battery. But there’s no 5G.

Pinto and Hegde offer their expert views, to help you decide whether you should buy a 4G phone in India today, or opt for a 5G alternative from Moto, Redmi, OnePlus, and beyond.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
4G phone in 5G era (00:22)
The 5G hype (06:23)
Moto G72 (11:14)
What does Moto think? (14:35)
4G and 5G alternatives (25:24)
Outro (31:49)

Photo credits: Pranav Hegde/Gadgets 360

Pixel 7 + Pixel 7 Pro leaks — everything we know

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 17:45:00 +0530

Google is all set to launch two new flagship-grade smartphones next week - the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto and deputy news editor Siddharth Suvarna join Orbital host Akhil Arora to discuss Google's upcoming smartphones.

The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will be the first high-end phones from the company to launch in India in nearly four years. The last flagship handsets to debut in the country were the Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL.

Could the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro provide substantial upgrades over their predecessors? What about the processor and hardware in the new handsets? And are these phones going to be extremely expensive in India?

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Life after Pixel 3 (01:31)
Hardware concerns (10:00)
Camera leaks (16:30)
Design (22:09)
Price in India? (27:08)
Final thoughts (32:04)
Outro (36:31)

Photo credits: Google

Moto Edge 30 Ultra and Fusion review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 13:45:00 +0530

Motorola has bigger ambitions in India, as it forays into iPhone and Galaxy S territory.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto and reviewer Pranav Hegde join Orbital host Akhil Arora to discuss the Edge 30 Ultra and Fusion.

Read: Edge 30 Ultra hands-on: checking all the boxes

The Rs. 60,000 Edge 30 Ultra has everything on paper: the latest Snapdragon chip, 125W fast charging, and promise of three Android updates. Oh, I forgot the highlight feature: a 200-megapixel rear camera. But there are problems.

Read: Edge 30 Fusion hands-on: a new flagship killer in town

Its Rs. 40,000 sibling, the Edge 30 Fusion, is being dubbed a flagship killer. While it’s behind on the chipset, it doesn’t compromise elsewhere: lightweight, 8K recording, and a curved display. Is that enough?

Tune into the latest Orbital episode, as Pinto and Hegde tell us more.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Edge 30 Ultra (00:23)
The problems (05:56)
The rest of it (09:59)
Edge 30 Fusion (15:57)
Cameras (23:52)
Performance (26:31)
Moto verdict (33:04)
Outro (35:40)

Photo credits: Sheldon Pinto/Gadgets 360, Pranav Hegde/Gadgets 360.

Redmi 11 Prime 5G review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 15 Sep 2022 18:00:00 +0530

The Redmi 11 Prime 5G is the latest entry in a long list of 5G capable smartphones that have launched in India before the next generation connectivity rolls out in the country later this year.

Gadgets 360 reviewer Pranav Hegde and consultant sub editor Siddhant Chandra join Orbital host Akhil Arora to discuss Redmi's latest affordable smartphone.

Buying an affordable 5G smartphone at this price point usually means you will end up paying a "5G tax". What does that mean for those looking to get access to 5G networks as soon as they launch? Should you buy a more capable 4G phone instead? Find out on this week's episode.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
5G Support (01:44)
Paying the '5G tax' (03:37)
Camera (08:52)
Display (11:26)
Updates (18:05)
The competition (19:43)
Outro (22:09)

Photo credits: Pranav Hegde/Gadgets 360.

iPhone 14 and 14 Plus + 14 Pro and Pro Max + Apple Watch Ultra

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 8 Sep 2022 18:00:00 +0530

Eight — yes, eight! — new Apple devices were launched at the Far Out event. (Gadgets 360 was there!) And you can pre-order most of them this week.

Gadgets 360 executive editor Jamshed Avari, reviews editor Roydon Cerejo, and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital host Akhil Arora to discuss all of them.

In India, the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max are more expensive than ever, starting at Rs. 1,29,900 and Rs. 1,39,900, respectively. For that money, you get an all-new design with Dynamic Island, an always-on display that looks cool as heck, and a new 48-megapixel main camera.

The iPhone 14, however, retains pricing status quo — Rs. 79,900 — but sadly, it’s saddled with last year’s A15 Bionic chip. It’s also now the most affordable option, with a new 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus coming in at Rs. 89,900.

Over in the wrist section, Apple has introduced the Watch Ultra with a bonkers Rs. 89,900 tag. It’s almost twice as heavy as the new Series 8, which has some new sensors but not much. There’s also a new Watch SE, with the same chipset as others, and the same old launch price.

Lastly, there’s the AirPods Pro 2, which are also more expensive than before at Rs. 26,900. For that, you get a new H2 chip, longer battery life, and personalised spatial audio.

Phew, we are done. Hit play to hear us delve into all those announcements, sprinkled with hands-on first impressions.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
iPhone 14, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max (00:26)
Watch Ultra, Series 8, and SE 2 (20:09)
AirPods Pro 2 (27:34)
Outro (30:00)

Photo credits: Apple

iPhone 14 leaks — everything we know

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 1 Sep 2022 17:20:00 +0530

Is Apple committing a sin by splitting the iPhone 14 from the 14 Pros?

Gadgets 360 executive editor Jamshed Avari and senior reviewer Ali Pardiwala join Orbital host Akhil Arora to discuss all the leaks.

The iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max are said to be getting rid of the notch, and will instead opt for a dual cutout. They might also get a 48-megapixel rear camera, one that’s capable of 8K video recording. Who needs that?

Meanwhile, the iPhone 14 will keep the notch, and its smaller sibling — the mini — is reportedly going away, to be replaced with a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max. Wait, why? Tune into the episode to discover.

We might be getting three new Apple Watches, including an expected Series 8, a budget SE 2, and what some are calling the Extreme Sports. The last of them will be a rugged watch, and might be crazy expensive.

Hit play to find out everything that could be announced at next week’s Apple event, including a never-seen-before chip split between the non-Pro and Pro iPhones.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
iPhone 14, Pro, and Pro Max (00:23)
Series 8, SE 2, and Extreme Sports? (20:22)
Outro (29:35)

Photo credits: Victor Carvalho, Anh Nguyen

Android 13 review: building on Android 12

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 12:15:00 +0530

New Android 12 phones are still being launched, but Android 13 has arrived.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto and video producer Aditya Nath Jha join Orbital host Akhil Arora to discuss Google’s newest offering — now out of beta.

We talk about the improvements to Android 13 under the hood, how it performs on Pixel devices, and the additional theming customisation options at your disposal.

Along the way, we touch upon Android 13’s dessert codename, and attempt to answer the biggest question of them all: when can you expect to get Android 13 on your phone?

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
What dessert is it? (00:19)
Ok Google, what’s new? (02:56)
How does it perform? (12:54)
More colours! (17:01)
When do I get it? (23:14)
Outro (34:57)

Photo credits: Sheldon Pinto/Gadgets 360

Chromecast with Google TV in India: all you need to know

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0530

The Chromecast with Google TV has made its debut in India two years after it was launched in the US. Is it too late for Google?

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Ali Pardiwala Ali Pardiwala and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital host Akhil Arora to discuss Google's latest streaming device.

We discuss the differences between Google TV and Android TV, and the confusing naming strategy for the Chromecast with Google TV.

The competition is also discussed. How does the Chromecast with Google TV compare to offerings from Amazon, Realme, and Xiaomi?

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
What’s in a name? (01:49)
Google TV vs Android TV (04:53)
Delayed India launch (15:15)
The competition (17:20)
The Google TV app (23:01)
Search (29:42)
Outro (31:32)

Photo credits: Google

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 + Z Flip 4

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 15:00:00 +0530

Do the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 offer enough over last year’s models?

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital host Akhil Arora to discuss Samsung’s newest foldables.

We talk about the smaller hinge and bigger battery on the Flip 4, the Galaxy S22 features that are coming to Fold 4 and Flip 4, and the improvements to the display on the Fold 4.

Along the way, we touch upon the new processor on both Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4, the new Android 12L-driven taskbar on Fold 4, and why foldables might be maturing already.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Pricing (02:35)
Galaxy Z Flip 4 (04:44)
Galaxy Z Fold 4 (07:40)
Durability (10:54)
Software additions (13:01)
Final thoughts (17:11)
Outro (18:51)

Cover: Samsung. Photo credits: Roydon Cerejo/Gadgets 360, Samsung.

Realme Pad X + Watch 3 + Buds Air 3 Neo

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 5 Aug 2022 17:50:00 +0530

Realme has announced the tablet Pad X, “smartwatch” Watch 3, and TWS earbuds Air 3 Neo.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Ali Pardiwala and reviews editor Roydon Cerejo join Orbital host Akhil Arora to discuss the three new Realme products.

We talk about how the Buds Air 3 Neo continues a strategy that has introduced features at prices never seen before, and why you shouldn’t expect them to deliver.

Later, we touch upon how the Watch 3 is essentially a ‘notifier’, and what we can expect from the Pad X as Android OEMs re-embrace the form factor.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Buds Air 3 Neo (00:36)
Watch 3 (08:03)
Pad X (17:32)
Outro (25:52)

Photo credits: Realme

Pixel 6a review: camera first, India last

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +0530

Nearly two years — and two full generations — on from the last one, Google is back with a new phone in India.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewers Aditya Shenoy and Sheldon Pinto join Orbital host Akhil Arora to discuss the Pixel 6a.

We talk about how it compares to its brother Pixel 6, what the Pixel 6a camera offers (and doesn’t), and why Google has more or less given up on the Indian smartphone market.

Read: Pixel 6a first impressions

Along the way, we touch upon Google’s Tensor chip, how we feel about the 6a given our experiences with the Pixel 4a, and the other phones you should consider at its Rs. 43,999 price.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
More SE or mini? (00:34)
Pixel magic (07:00)
Why not Pixel 6? (10:53)
The software (14:31)
Nexus to Pixel (18:25)
The competition (23:54)
Finicky fingerprint (27:03)
The rest (30:45)
Outro (35:47)

Cover: Aditya Shenoy/Gadgets 360. Photo credits: Jamshed Avari/Gadgets 360, Google, Shenoy/Gadgets 360, Kārlis Dambrāns, OnePlus.

Oppo Reno 8 and 8 Pro: OnePlus wine in a new bottle?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0530

Why is Oppo making strange choices with its flagship Reno series?

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join Orbital host Akhil Arora to discuss the Reno 8 and Reno 8 Pro.

We talk about the heavy similarities with OnePlus 10R and Nord 2T — both share a parent company — the bewildering omissions vis-à-vis the OnePlus phones, and the design decisions that suggest little consistency.

Read: Oppo Reno 8 Pro first impressions

Along the way, we touch upon the two other launches — the Oppo Pad Air tablet, and the Oppo Enco X2 TWS earbuds — and Oppo’s reluctance to enter India’s premium smartphone segment that its sister companies have embraced.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Hello Reno (00:24)
What’s new (05:11)
vs OnePlus (08:22)
Software and more (14:45)
The competition (20:03)
Pad Air and Enco X2 (29:07)
Outro (31:44)

Cover: Sheldon Pinto/Gadgets 360. Photo credits: Pinto/Gadgets 360, Oppo.

Nothing Phone 1 review: master of none

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 14:30:00 +0530

OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei has launched a new phone out of nothing. Sorry, I mean Nothing.

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Aditya Shenoy join Orbital host Akhil Arora to discuss the Nothing Phone 1.

We talk about the Glyph lighting system on the back, the mid-tier Snapdragon chip you don’t expect in this segment, and how the Nothing Phone 1 price in India stacks up against the competition.

Read: Nothing Phone 1 first impressions

Along the way, we touch upon Nothing’s journey to date, the software that is rough around the edges, and the Phone 1’s terrible pre-applied scratch guard.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
All about Nothing (00:23)
Pricing and variants (03:23)
Glyph, what’s that? (14:41)
Software promises (24:30)
The cameras (29:26)
Performance (38:38)
Outro (46:27)

Photo credits: Roydon Cerejo/Gadgets 360

What has Noise figured out about India’s smartwatch market?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 8 Jul 2022 15:30:00 +0530

Noise has been leading India’s smartwatch market for two years now. What’s its secret?

Noise co-founder Amit Khatri joins Orbital host Akhil Arora and Gadgets 360’s smartwatch expert Ali Pardiwala to give us an inside tour.

Khatri tells us what the Indian buyer looks for in smartwatches, why they are successful while Apple and Samsung struggle, and how Noise is doing beyond its core segment.

Along the way, we touch upon Noise’s efforts to bring more of its manufacturing processes into India — and where the challenges lie in doing that.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
What Noise knows (00:29)
Beyond pricing (05:31)
Design and function (10:19)
Make in India (13:48)
Future — and outro (17:16)

Photo credit: Noise

The best tablets at every price

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Sat, 2 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0530

Are you looking to buy a new tablet — for work or entertainment? We have you covered.

Orbital host Akhil Arora picks the brains of Gadgets 360 reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto to get you the answers.

We talk about the tablets on offer across various price segments, be it Realme Pad and Xiaomi Pad 5 in the budget segment, iPad Air and Samsung Tab S7 FE in mid-tier, or iPad Pro, Surface Pro 8, and Samsung Tab S8 Ultra in the premium section.

Along the way, we debate if tablets can be as productive as laptops, the benefits and drawbacks of iPadOS, Android, and Windows 11, and whether we will ever achieve the all-in-one dream.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Work or fun? (00:23)
Android is back (04:34)
Entry level (07:35)
Mid-range (16:27)
Top end (25:31)
The winners (34:24)
Foldable future? (37:10)
Outro (40:53)

Photo credits: Apple, Xiaomi, Realme, Samsung, Microsoft.

Poco F4 5G: best phone around Rs. 30,000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 18:00:00 +0530

Can Poco’s new phone emerge as the best phone around Rs. 30,000?

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to discuss the Poco F4 5G.

We talk about the history of Poco phones, the features on offer here, and the brands and models Poco F4 is competing with, including possibly the upcoming Pixel 6a.

Read: Poco F4 5G hands-on

Along the way, we offer an explainer on IP ratings, touch upon the merits and demerits of fast charging, and pick apart the promises of Android software updates.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
How we got here (00:20)
The competition (04:40)
IP rating means? (08:23)
Fast charging (13:15)
Poco MIUI (17:55)
Pixel 6a — and verdict (24:29)
Outro (29:52)

Photo credits: Roydon Cerejo/Gadgets 360, Google.

Xbox Game Pass vs new PlayStation Plus: are video game subscription services worth it?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0530

The new three-tiered PlayStation Plus — out next week in India — is finally set to properly compete with Xbox Game Pass. Which one should you pick?

Industry insider Rishi Alwani and video game enthusiast Pranay Parab — both Orbital veterans — join host Akhil Arora to discuss that and more.

We talk about how the new PS Plus works, split into its three tiers Essential, Extra, and Deluxe. The last of them has a different name in some markets — Premium — and you can learn why on the podcast.

Read: PlayStation Plus: India pricing revealed for PS Plus Deluxe, Extra, and Essential

We delve into the differences between the new PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass (Ultimate), in terms of their India pricing, game models, and other associated benefits.

Along the way, we touch upon the problems with Sony and Microsoft’s approaches, and how video game subscription services can be harmful to both gamers and the industry.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
New PS Plus (00:45)
Reasons to be unhappy (07:55)
What Sony and Microsoft really want (13:35)
Xbox Game Pass, and Xbox in India (18:47)
More benefits! Good or bad? (23:51)
The classics (27:44)
Are game subscriptions good? (32:17)
Outro (44:49)

Cover: Sony. Photo credits: Sony/Akhil Arora/Gadgets 360, Insomniac Games, Arora/Gadgets 360, Microsoft, Guerrilla Games, AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

iOS 16, watchOS 9, macOS Ventura, and new MacBook Air with M2

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 8 Jun 2022 15:45:00 +0530

iOS 16, iPadOS 16, watchOS 9, and macOS Ventura are here. Apple unveiled the next iteration of software updates for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch at its developer conference earlier this week, alongside two new MacBooks.

Gadgets 360 executive editor Jamshed Avari and reviews editor Roydon Cerejo join host Akhil Arora to discuss all things WWDC 2022.

We talk about the changes to iOS 16, including the new customisable lock screen, the ability to edit and unsend messages, and improvements to mail, dictation, and a shared photo library.

We delve into the new MacBook Air with M2 that brings some welcome changes, and wonder if the introductions to macOS Ventura might be helpful or just a nightmare.

And we close out by touching upon the features of watchOS 9, which is still catching up with offerings of rival wearable makers from years ago, it seems.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
iOS 16: what’s exciting? (00:20)
New MacBook Air and macOS Ventura (13:47)
watchOS 9: catching up with Fitbit (32:03)
Outro (35:55)

Photo credits: Apple

The best phone under Rs. 50,000

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 3 Jun 2022 18:00:00 +0530

The flagship smartphone segment has the widest range of prices, but how much can you spend before you start seeing diminishing returns?

Gadgets 360 senior reviewers Sheldon Pinto and Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to discuss just that.

We talk about the features you cannot get outside of flagships, the compromises you would still need to make around Rs. 50,000, and the phones you should consider if you’re in the market for a value flagship today.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
What makes a flagship? (00:17)
Phones to consider (02:55)
Software promises (09:22)
Pixel 6? (17:32)
Any iPhones? (21:24)
How to avoid compromises (26:36)
Outro (32:09)

Cover: OnePlus. Photo credits: Motorola, Realme, Samsung, Google, Apple, Samsung.

How will India’s crypto tax hurt the cryptocurrency sector?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 27 May 2022 16:00:00 +0530

India’s crypto tax came into effect with the current financial year, and has further impacted a cryptocurrency market that was already reeling globally.

Crypto exchange WazirX vice president Rajagopal Menon and crypto tax consultancy Catax founder Gaurav Mehta join host Akhil Arora to discuss the consequences of that.

Menon tells us why the cryptocurrency sector is in a freefall since the start of the year — rising global inflation adding to worries over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — and how India’s crypto tax has compounded those miseries.

Mehta believes the conflicting definitions of crypto — is it asset or a currency? — are adding to the chaos. If it’s the latter, then the incoming 1 percent TDS (tax deducted at source) from July 1 is unnecessary, Mehta notes.

Menon says exchanges are happy to comply with government’s desires to track transactions, but the TDS rate has been set at a very high value. This, he believes, will stifle innovation in the crypto industry.

Tune into our crypto tax special episode to hear our two guests delve deeper into all these facets.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Where crypto is at (00:31)
Asset or currency? (04:11)
High TDS rate (08:08)
Working with the government (15:40)
Are we going too far? (20:40)
Outro (26:17)

Photo credit: Ewan Kennedy

Vivo X80 and X80 Pro review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 20 May 2022 14:00:00 +0530

Roughly eight months on from X70 Pro+, which itself came just six months after the one before it, Vivo is back with another flagship phone.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewers Sheldon Pinto and Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to discuss the Vivo X80 series.

Read: Vivo X80 hands-on: promising premium all-rounder

We talk about Vivo’s attempts to simplify the new naming convention — this time, we have a Vivo X80 at Rs. 55,000, and a X80 Pro at Rs. 80,000 — and the resulting confusion it creates.

We delve into what the two phones offer, be it their triple and quad rear camera setups, the high refresh rates displays on par with Apple and Samsung, or that humongous camera module on the back.

Read: Vivo X80 Pro hands-on: worthy upgrade?

Along the way, we touch upon how Samsung is pushing the industry to do better with their Android update promises, and why the likes of Vivo need to stop showing off a “cool” new feature with every launch.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Naming confusion (00:17)
Trust in Vivo? (03:13)
What you get (06:00)
Camera, display, and design (11:41)
Software and charging (17:47)
Needs consistency (21:11)
Who it’s for (23:49)
Outro (27:44)

Photo credits: Sheldon Pinto/Gadgets 360

Disclosure: Vivo sponsored Pinto’s flights and hotel for the pre-launch event in Dubai.

Pixel 6a + Pixel Watch + Pixel Buds Pro + Pixel 7

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 13 May 2022 16:30:00 +0530

New phones, new watch, new wireless earbuds, and even a new tablet. Is Google getting serious about hardware?

Gadgets 360 executive editor Jamshed Avari and deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo join host Akhil Arora to discuss the best of Google I/O 2022.

The only bit actually confirmed for India is the Pixel 6a, a “budget” phone in the US that will likely end up around Rs. 40,000 or more in India. It’s not due before August, so who knows what that segment — already very competitive — will look like by then.

With the Pixel Watch, Google finally enters wearables and puts its Fitbit acquisition to good use. No price on that though. The Pixels Buds Pro do have a price, and they seem to be going up against the AirPods Pro and others of its ilk.

Google also teased a Pixel Tablet for 2023, and the next generation of its flagship phones — the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro — expected in late 2022. We also discuss Google Maps’ new Immersive Mode, and the new Indian languages coming to Google Search and Translate.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Pixel 6a (00:20)
Pixel Watch (10:27)
Pixel Tablet (15:49)
Pixel Buds Pro (23:19)
Pixel 7 (27:55)
The rest (31:20)
More of India (40:24)
Outro (42:27)

Photo credits: Google

Alexa, how well do you know India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 6 May 2022 19:00:00 +0530

Alexa, what’s the latest episode of the Orbital podcast about?

Amazon India’s Alexa chief Dilip R.S. and Gadgets 360’s in-house Alexa expert Ali Pardiwala join host Akhil Arora to discuss Alexa’s growth in India.

The biggest challenge for any voice assistant is to make it understand its users. For one, Alexa must adapt to “Indian English” words and our varied accents. On top of that, it must also navigate the fact that we frequently use two (or more) languages in the same sentence.

Still, Amazon Echo devices have been bought in 85 percent of pin codes in India, Dilip notes. Of course, it’s another matter how useful they are — and how many are actively being used.

For more such trends, tune into the episode. We also touch upon how Amazon pushes to integrate Alexa into non-Amazon devices and platforms, and how thanks to Alexa, voice is the first mode of interaction with the Internet for some.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
4-year India journey (00:23)
How Alexa has grown (03:39)
Making it useful (07:35)
Echo is everywhere (13:12)
How Alexa learns (17:31)
Building for India (20:35)
Privacy issues (22:07)
Outro (24:12)

Photo credits: Amazon

Xiaomi 12 Pro fails to stand apart, but that’s good?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 13:00:00 +0530

There isn’t a wow factor about the Xiaomi 12 Pro, but that might actually be a good thing.

Gadgets 360 deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join host Akhil Arora to discuss the new Xiaomi flagship smartphone.

The 12 Pro boasts similar hardware to phones in its range, and it doesn’t have anything to set itself apart. Xiaomi has polished the look and feel though, and the 12 Pro feels like a premium device.

Read: Xiaomi 12 Pro first impressions

That said, it’s got the lot. A Dolby Vision display that can go down to 1Hz refresh rate, rear cameras with wider aperture than you normally see, quad speakers with Dolby Atmos, and 120W fast charging that’s in line what’s currently out there.

But in terms of features, the 12 Pro is missing an IP rating, which you can in fact get on more affordable phones such as Samsung’s Galaxy FE range and even Xiaomi’s own budget phones.

Hit play to hear us delve into each of those facets.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Pro is not Ultra (00:27)
The cameras (06:03)
The competition (12:02)
The missing (14:48)
Display and software (18:42)
Outro (22:51)

Photo credits: Sheldon Pinto/Gadgets 360

Are affordable smartwatches worth it?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 11:00:00 +0530

India’s smartwatch market is growing, but that depends on how you look at it.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewers Ali Pardiwala and Aditya Shenoy, and IDC India research director Navkendar Singh join host Akhil Arora to talk about that and more.

As with all things tech, India remains a cost-sensitive market, with average selling price in fact going down in recent years, Singh tells us. Low-cost smartwatches have taken over from fitness bands (while the premium segment struggles).

That’s because these ‘basic’ watches — Rs. 4,000 or less — are cramming in a lot of features, though they naturally don’t naturally fare well in accuracy. But does the Indian consumer care?

Read: The best smartwatches to buy in India

For those who do, you’re going to have to pay a lot — with premium watches from Apple and Samsung coming in at 5–10 times the price. They’re in the ecosystem play, which could’ve been Google’s were it not for its failures with WearOS.

Hit play to hear us delve into each of those facets.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
How India is faring (00:24)
The market split (05:00)
Bands are dead (11:24)
What Indians want (14:50)
Buying advice (23:57)
Ecosystem play (29:32)
Outro (32:41)

Cover: Samsung. Photo credits: Noise, Realme, Xiaomi, Fire Boltt, Ali Pardiwala/Gadgets 360, Apple

The best budget phones: should you go 4G or 5G?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 12:30:00 +0530

With 5G services expected before the end of 2022 in India, if you’re in the market for a budget phone right now, should you go with a 4G or 5G model?

Gadgets 360 deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join host Akhil Arora to answer that and more.

Read: The best phones under Rs. 15,000

We discuss how several brands have been launching 4G and 5G variants of the same budget smartphone, why the 5G models are at times missing features that the 4G ones have, and what the whole 5G bands conversation amounts to.

We also talk about some of the best budget phones, tell you what specifications to keep an eye on, and why you shouldn’t buy at launch (with caveats). Play the podcast to learn more.

Read: The best phones under Rs. 20,000

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
4G vs 5G (00:16)
The compromises (11:12)
Best phones (18:19)
Buying tips (24:37)
Outro (30:08)

Cover: Sheldon Pinto/Gadgets 360. Photo credits: Xiaomi, Oppo, Aditya Shenoy/Gadgets 360, Roydon Cerejo/Gadgets 360

Is it time for the Harry Potter universe to die?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 7 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +0530

A third Harry Potter spin-off movie — Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore — is now in theatres. Why is this still a thing?

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Ali Pardiwala and pop culture aficionado Nikhila Makker join host and entertainment editor Akhil Arora to talk all things Wizarding World.

We discuss how we got here, from the craze around the Harry Potter books and films to dwindling box office returns for Fantastic Beasts chapters, and why Warner Bros. is bent on squeezing every last drop out of it.

We also talk about the toxicity around the Potter universe, be it author J.K. Rowling’s repeated transphobic comments, or the several mistakes that Warner has made, with little attempt to show itself in a better light.

Along the way, we touch upon other expansion attempts — apps, video games, reunion special, a stage play, and its companion book — and wonder the logical next step if all should fail. A reboot, always.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Rise and fall (00:22)
The Potter lens (05:49)
Universe expansion (08:06)
Original movies (13:34)
Rowling and beyond (21:15)
Self-cursed (27:19)
Outro (31:40)

Cover: Warner Bros. Photo credits: Bloomsbury, WB, Rowling, Akhil Arora/Gadgets 360

OnePlus 10 Pro review: toying with the flagship

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 20:00:00 +0530

Is OnePlus’ new heavy-duty flagship — meant to compete with iPhone 13 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra — the phone to get in 2022?

Gadgets 360 deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join host Akhil Arora to talk about the OnePlus 10 Pro.

Read: OnePlus 10 Pro 5G review: a perfect ten?

We discuss its pricing in regards to the OnePlus 9 Pro, the intriguing changes OnePlus has opted for with its top-of-the-line product, and the facets that haven’t changed (the good, the bad, and the ugly).

Along the way, we touch upon the meaningless of CPU stress tests, the biggest competition to the OnePlus 10 Pro, and how OxygenOS is keeping ColorOS at bay following backlash from fans.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
The highlights (00:21)
India pricing (01:43)
8 Gen 1 throttling? (04:52)
Heating troubles (07:25)
No official ‘IP68’ (13:06)
The four cameras (17:26)
Gaming buzzwords (27:27)
Improved display (31:11)
Software + battery (32:01)
Outro (37:01)

Photo credits: Roydon Cerejo/Gadgets 360

iPhone SE (2022): pros, cons, and the India story

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 12:00:00 +0530

At launch, Apple’s “budget” 5G iPhone SE is flailing in India’s mid-range segment. Can it compete with older iPhones and an army of Android contenders?

Gadgets 360 executive editor Jamshed Avari and senior reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to talk about the iPhone SE (2022) that’s now in our hands.

We discuss the missing “wow” factor (a non full-HD screen), its outdated design (Jamshed likes the bezels surprisingly), and ponder the future of iPhone SE with Apple rumoured to kill off the iPhone mini.

Along the way, we touch upon alternatives from the house of Apple and beyond. Thanks to the Rs. 43,900 price in India, it’s worth looking at iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 11, and even the iPhone XR, depending on what you want from a phone.

And of course, there’s no shortage of Android competition if you’re willing to look beyond Apple.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
First impressions (00:19)
That design (02:56)
And that price! (05:27)
Make in India benefits? (11:15)
vs Android (13:57)
Future of SE and mini (18:38)
Who it’s for (24:44)
Outro (27:45)

Photo credit: Jamshed Avari/Gadgets 360

How Asus is planning to win the laptops market in India

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 17:00:00 +0530

Asus is one of the known players in the PC and laptops market in India, with a range of ZenBook, VivoBook, and ROG models that cater to a wide range of audience.

Gadgets 360 Executive Editor Jamshed Avari joins host Akhil Arora to talk with Asus India Business Head of System Business Group for Consumer & Gaming PC Arnold Su to understand the laptops market in the country and how the company is planning to grow its presence.

Su talks about how COVID-19 impacted the PC and laptops market in the country. He also details the online vs offline sales of laptops.

Alongside detailing the market trends, Su mentions plans to bring some of the latest models to India in the coming future. He also reveals that Asus is set to bring its foldable ZenBook 17 Fold to the market.

We also talk about the market performance of affordable laptops in India. Asus has a list of models under the VivoBook series that target consumers looking for affordable options in the market. The discussion also revolves around how the market is shifting towards form-factors including thin-and-light and 2-in-1 models.

And we conclude the talk by discussing how Asus as a brand is received in India, and how buyers in the market rate the company compared with other possibly more familiar names in the PC laptop industry.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
COVID emerged as an opportunity (00:57)
Market of budget laptops in India (07:42)
Online vs offline sales (12:16)
What's coming from Asus? (16:42)
Foldable laptop and other exciting models incoming (21:36)
Smartphones challenging PCs these days? (26:39)
Outro (30:28)

Photo credits: Asus, Samsung

iPhone SE, Mac Studio, M1 Ultra, Studio Display, and iPad Air 2022

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 9 Mar 2022 17:00:00 +0530

Apple’s spring 2022 event — dubbed “Peek Performance” — brought a 5G iPhone SE, iPad Air with M1, a Retina 5K display, and an all-new Mac Studio with the all-new M1 Ultra chip.

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and senior reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to take us through all the Apple launches.

We discuss who the 2022 iPhone SE is for, given its India starting price of Rs. 43,900, a design that feels ancient, and a screen that lacks full-HD resolution. That said, it does have the iPhone 13 chip.

We delve into the M1 Ultra chip — an upgrade to M1 and M1 Max — that powers the new Mac Studio, a supersized Mac mini or a more affordable Mac Pro, depending on how you see it.

Along the way, we touch upon the improved 27-inch 5K monitor called Studio Display that has a Center Stage-equipped webcam, and the 2022 iPad Air that becomes a more affordable iPad Pro with compromises.

And we close shop by discussing that new Apline Green colour option for the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro range.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
iPhone SE (00:19)
Mac Studio (17:42)
iPad Air (30:55)
Green! (33:04)
Outro (35:38)

Photo credits: Apple

MWC 2022: return to Barcelona and the big announcements

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 4 Mar 2022 16:30:00 +0530

The year’s biggest phone trade show — Mobile World Congress — returned to the ground in Barcelona, after two years of being cancelled by COVID-19.

Counterpoint global content manager Ritesh Bendre and Gadgets 360 deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo join host Akhil Arora to talk about all things MWC 2022.

Read: The 10 biggest announcements from MWC 2022

Bendre tells us what it was like to be back on the show floor — the good and the bad of it, from getting more time with preview units to the restrictions on movement and, well, breathing.

Along the way, we discuss the major highlights from MWC 2022, including foldables from TCL, an E-ink tablet from Huawei, and the promises of 150W fast charging from both Oppo and Realme.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Back on the ground (00:29)
Exciting devices (11:50)
Super fast charging (26:41)
Outro (41:21)

Photo credits: GSMA.

How Gaana and Spotify are navigating India’s unique music streaming landscape

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 16:45:00 +0530

Spotify is celebrating its third anniversary in India, while Gaana is approaching its twelfth. What have they discovered about this diverse market?

Gaana CEO Sandeep Lodha and Spotify India market operations head Akshat Harbola join host Akhil Arora to talk about India’s unique music streaming landscape.

We discuss what has and hasn’t worked for both — Gaana is veering away from its TikTok strategy, and refocusing on music and podcasts — and what they have planned for the rest of 2022.

We delve into the music subscription business’ big challenge: making Indians pay regularly. Gaana and Spotify bust the myth on India’s paid subscriber base. Lodha points out the factors that are limiting growth, while Akshat thinks it’s about figuring out use-cases.

With the music catalogue being more or less the same for everyone, original podcasts are one big differentiator. But India’s podcast industry suffers from monetisation challenges, as we also touch upon in the podcast.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
What excites them (00:27)
Spotify’s 3 years in India (02:24)
Gaana is refocusing (09:36)
Figuring India out (12:59)
Why won’t Indians pay? (19:50)
Original podcasts (26:45)
Podcast monetisation (32:09)
Roadmap for 2022 (36:39)
Outro (39:03)

Illustrations: Akhil Arora/Gadgets 360. Photo credits: Gaana/Spotify/Screenshot by Arora/Gadgets 360.

Realme 9 Pro+ review: the new mid-range king?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 15:00:00 +0530

Realme has only been around for four years — and it’s already on its “ninth” phone generation.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewers Sheldon Pinto and Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to talk about the Realme 9 Pro and 9 Pro+.

We discuss Realme’s decision to jump on the colour-changing trend for the back of the 9 Pro+, and the experimental heart rate sensor inside the fingerprint sensor that is under the display.

Read: Realme 9 Pro+ review: excellent value for money

The camera on the back has optical image stabilisation (OIS), a feature you can’t get on smartphones that are Rs. 15,000 more expensive. We also touch upon the 9 Pro+’s three variants and their pricing.

Along the way, we delve into how Google’s Material You push is not only causing delays with Android 12 rollout, but also making custom OS skins like Realme UI 3.0 feel incongruous.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
‘9’ phones in four years (00:20)
Colour-changing 9 Pro+ (01:52)
Heart in my finger (04:34)
Android 12! (08:26)
Super cameras (15:28)
60W charging (20:17)
Pricing? (23:49)
The affordable 9 Pro (27:22)
Outro (33:26)

Cover: Sheldon Pinto/Gadgets 360. Photo credits: Pinto/Gadgets 360, Realme

Samsung Galaxy S22 and Tab S8 series

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 18:00:00 +0530

They are here — Samsung has announced its flagship phones and tablets for 2022. And they are synchronising, with both the S22 and Tab S8 series now sporting a base model, a Plus, and an Ultra.

Gadgets 360 deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to talk about the Galaxy S22 and Tab S8 series.

We discuss why the Galaxy S22 Ultra is more like a Note and doesn’t belong in the S22 family, how it improves upon the S21 Ultra and iPhone 13 Pro, and what might happen to its predecessor.

We delve into the level of changes Samsung has reserved for the Galaxy S22 and S22+, how we feel about Samsung’s new promises on Android updates, and whether the Tab S8 Ultra can go up against the iPad Pro.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
The new phone trio (00:27)
Ultra or the Note? (01:34)
S22 and S22+ (15:44)
Worthy upgrades? (21:18)
iPad (Pro) competition (27:30)
Outro (34:44)

Photo credits: Samsung

Oppo Reno 7 and 7 Pro review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 4 Feb 2022 14:15:00 +0530

Oppo’s flagship smartphones for 2022 are here. But are they any good?

Gadgets 360 deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to talk about the Reno 7 and 7 Pro 5G.

We discuss the role reversal that’s going on in the design space — Oppo has given the Reno 6 design to 7 Pro, and vice versa — the new SoC that’s more marketing than features, and Oppo’s love for the AI buzzword.

Read: Oppo Reno 7 first impressions: a lukewarm upgrade

Along the way, we touch upon the (better) alternatives to the Reno 7 and 7 Pro, and wonder why Oppo has reached a stage in India where it doesn’t seem to have its heart in the race.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Oppo’s 2022 (00:20)
Reno 7 Pro (03:11)
What’s new (08:36)
Competition (21:46)
Reno 7 (25:20)
Competition (29:56)
Why are we here (33:09)
Outro (37:42)

Photo credits: Roydon Cerejo/Gadgets 360

5G in India: everything you need to know

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 12:45:00 +0530

When will 5G come to India? And what should I expect?

COAI director general Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar and Deloitte India telecom sector leader Peeyush Vaish join Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and host Akhil Arora to offer their expert insight.

Expect an initial rollout by August 2022, Kochhar says, though it won’t be at the same time for everyone. After all, India needs 8 lakh new towers for 5G, in addition to 1.5 lakh we have today. Moreover, the approach must be different for rural vs urban areas.

Along the way, we delve into how 5G is a lot more than an upgrade to 4G. It allows for dozens of B2B applications (revenue for operators), and new government rules afford more freedom with B2C applications.

5G is set to change cars, gaming, weapon systems, telemedicine, and the Indian Railways. Fire up the episode to discover why. What you pay hence will depend on what you want out of 5G.

Beyond the obvious B2B and B2C, there are a lot of acronyms in this episode. Here’s a quick guide to the most used ones:

COAI = Cellular Operators Association of India
DoT = Department of Telecommunications
TRAI = Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
mmWave = millimeter wave spectrum (30 GHz to 300 GHz, between microwave and infrared waves)
eNB = eNodeB, type of radio base station
ARPU = average revenue per user
OTT = over-the-top (streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar)
TSP = telecommunications service provider (such as Jio and Airtel)

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Rollout and hype (01:06)
What to expect (09:58)
Different models (16:46)
Tariff = apps (21:08)
5G use-cases (27:42)
And beyond (34:03)
Conspiracies (39:32)
Outro (45:10)

Cover credit: Z z. Photo credits: Ben Vaughn, Frederik Lipfert, Jakub Pabis, Lipfert, Ryland Dean, Vishnu Vardhan, Robert Gale

Headphones 101: what to know before you buy

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 13:20:00 +0530

Looking to buy new headphones? You have come to the right place.

Gadgets 360 audio guru Ali Pardiwala and Headphone Zone founder and CEO Raghav Somani join host Akhil Arora to offer up their expert advice.

We discuss the minimum you need to spend to get good earphones and headphones, why the Rs. 10,000 price bracket is really interesting, and what you get when you pay for top-end cans.

Read: The best active noise cancelling headphones and earphones in India

We dispel layman misconceptions along the way, from the promise of hi-res audio to why headphones that reproduce sound well aren’t always the best.

We also briefly dive into the world of drivers — don’t worry we won’t put you to sleep.

Along the way, we tell you what you should avoid, and what you can get at different price points, as we namecheck several models that are the pick of the lot.

Read: The best true wireless earphones in India

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
What our experts want (00:22)
The entry level (04:21)
The next level (09:46)
Something for everyone (18:01)
Talk drivers to me (21:49)
The best you can buy (25:54)
Hi-res audio? (30:34)
What to avoid (34:52)
Outro (36:59)

Cover credit: Luke Peterson. Photo credits: Yu Hai, Ali Pardiwala/Gadgets 360, Nothing, Hostaphoto, HifiMan, Pardiwala/Gadgets 360, Apple, Lee Campbell

OnePlus 9RT, Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, and the trend of stop-gap budget flagships

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 17:20:00 +0530

The Galaxy S22 and OnePlus 10 series are nearly here. Why then are we getting new entries in the old series?

Gadgets 360 deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join host Akhil Arora to discuss the Galaxy S21 FE and OnePlus 9RT.

Read: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G first impressions: riding the wave

We put the new Samsung phone up against the S20 FE — Samsung is switching from Snapdragon to Exynos here — and talk about why that might be a better option.

Later, we wonder how the launch of 9RT will impact the OnePlus 10 series, why the OnePlus 9 is effectively dead, and touch upon OxygenOS being taken over by ColorOS.

Read: OnePlus 9RT 5G first impressions: a beautifully crafted powerhouse

Along the way, we delve into why these new Samsung and OnePlus phones are launching now — and the alternatives you might wish to consider.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Shared thinking (00:27)
S21 FE vs S20 FE (05:01)
Where the fans? (11:18)
A complete package (14:26)
Destroying the 9 (19:07)
Made for India (25:04)
Less Oxygen (28:39)
Outro (33:12)

Photo credits: Roydon Cerejo/Gadgets 360

Inside Xiaomi 11i HyperCharge 5G and Xiaomi India’s 2022 plans — Orbital exclusive

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 5 Jan 2022 09:30:00 +0530

Xiaomi is kicking off 2022 with the 11i HyperCharge 5G that offers 120W fast charging. Wait, what?

Xiaomi India chief business officer Raghu Reddy, senior marketing manager Sandeep Sarma and product marketing manager Rahul Dubey join Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and host Akhil Arora to take us behind the scenes.

We discuss why Xiaomi is pushing for the bonkers 120W figure, how fast charging — sorry, HyperCharge — works on the 11i, concerns around battery safety and longevity, and why wireless charging is lagging behind.

Along the way, we delve into what Xiaomi India learnt from 2021, how user demands and component price increases are changing the phone industry, and whether Xiaomi India will continue to offer 4G phones.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Xiaomi’s 2021 in India (00:31)
What sells, what’s desired (04:34)
5G vs 4G phones (10:23)
The 11i HyperCharge (13:24)
120W fast charging (18:37)
Charging curve (22:32)
Safe, for long (27:18)
Where did wireless go? (30:26)
Looking ahead (34:05)
Outro (36:27)

Photo credits: Xiaomi

Best Games of 2021

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 13:00:00 +0530

It’s been a big year for gaming, be it the next-gen consoles, industry malpractice revelations, or the games themselves.

Gadgets 360 chief sub-editor and gamer Shayak Majumder and industry insider and Orbital veteran Rishi Alwani join host Akhil Arora to talk about the year of 2021 in gaming.

Read: Gadgets 360’s favourite games from 2021

We discuss our favourite games from the year that was, the struggles to get your hands on a PS5 and Xbox Series X in their first year of launch, and how that’s likely to change in 2022.

We also touch upon the various reports of sexual harassment and abusive workplaces at major gaming studios. And we close out by discussing our hopes and dreams for 2022.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Our favourites (00:44)
Cross-play still lag (07:34)
Next-gen consoles (15:01)
Demand is there, but… (20:21)
Bombshell issues (26:28)
Exciting for 2022 (33:52)
Outro (48:21)

Photo credits: Aneesh Arora, Square Enix, Rockstar, Akhil Arora, Bloomberg, Xbox. Cover composite: Akhil Arora/Gadgets 360

How Oppo Find N improves over Galaxy Z Fold 3

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 15:00:00 +0530

A new foldable is in the house, though sadly it won’t be in stores anytime soon.

Gadgets 360 deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and senior reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to talk about the Oppo Find N.

We discuss how the Find N compares to the foldable leader, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. The hinge sits flush and offers multiple angles, the battery is bigger, and the display is shorter but wider (less annoying black bars in video).

Read: Oppo Find N first impressions

But it lacks an IP rating, ample software optimisation, and under-display camera (though that is good). Some of that is because the Find N is only launching in China. That said, it does have gestures and intuitive tricks like the Fold 3.

Along the way, we delve into its many cameras, and speculate why Oppo is not bringing the Find N to India.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
vs Galaxy Z Fold 3 (00:24)
Hinge and heavy (07:06)
UI and UX (12:40)
Premium and solid (17:02)
The cameras (20:55)
Why it’s not in India (24:22)
Outro (30:32)

Photo credits: Roydon Cerejo/Gadgets 360

The Best Phones of 2021

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 14:00:00 +0530

The end of 2021 is nearly here, and it’s time to take a look back.

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari, deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo, senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto and techARC founder Faisal Kawoosa join host Akhil Arora to talk about the best phones of 2021.

We discuss if phones have become boring: 5G chips are leading to feature compromises, supply chain constraints mean brands have to play it safe, and the industry has become increasingly commoditised.

Read: The best smartphones of 2021

That said, there is innovation happening in foldables, with Samsung leading the charge. And despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, buyers inched upwards the premium ladder in 2021, Kawoosa notes.

Along the way, we touch upon the best phones that didn’t make it to India, and delve into what we want and expect from smartphones in 2022.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Are phones boring? (00:28)
Trends, trends (03:37)
Older is better (08:42)
Best budget (10:31)
Why so similar? (12:55)
Premium shift (16:53)
Moving upwards (19:09)
The missing (21:47)
Incremental iPhones(25:08)
The best Android (28:42)
2022 expectations (30:26)
Outro (34:10)

Cover credit: Roydon Cerejo/Gadgets 360. Photo credits: Aditya Shenoy, Cerejo/Gadgets 360, Google, Samsung

Why does Redmi Note 11T 5G exist?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 14:00:00 +0530

It’s only been five months since the Redmi Note 10T, and its successor is already here.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Aditya Shenoy and deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo join host Akhil Arora to talk about the Redmi Note 11T 5G.

We discuss why Redmi — along with its parent Xiaomi and the likes of Realme — refresh their phones so soon, how different models of different phones overlap one another, and hence why there isn’t much to set them apart.

Read: Redmi Note 11T 5G review

But the Note 11T is also hobbled due to other factors. With chip shortages and supply chain constraints driving the price of components up, Redmi has had to compromise on features here.

For one, we’re going from a 120Hz AMOLED to 90Hz LED display. And while the Note 10T could record 4K video, the Note 11T can’t. And it only has dual cameras at the back, which can be enough but they aren’t here.

Is this what happens when manufacturers go all out on a new-age 5G chipset?

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
10T to 11T in months (00:18)
T for technology?! (02:46)
Overlaps, compromises (04:36)
Refreshing too soon (08:22)
Dual cameras (12:36)
Older is better? (18:29)
5G cutbacks (20:25)
It’s all marketing (26:17)
MIUI 12.5 (27:21)
Outro (28:15)

Photo credits: Aditya Shenoy/Gadgets 360

Snapdragon’s new 2022 chips

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 3 Dec 2021 14:00:00 +0530

Qualcomm Snapdragon is now simply Snapdragon, as the company looks to new frontiers and rebrands itself in more than one way.

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join host Akhil Arora to talk about Snapdragon’s new 2022 chips.

We discuss why Snapdragon is shifting to the 8 Gen 1 nomenclature (it ran out of numbers?), what its new 18-bit ISP camera tech means for most users, and whether it can deliver on some suspect AI-based features it’s touting.

We touch upon Snapdragon’s renewed push for Windows on ARM with 8cx Gen 3. While Apple is now all in, it hasn’t worked out historically on Windows. The 5nm chip — available in the first half of 2022 — looks promising though, as always.

We delve into Snapdragon’s new (handheld) gaming ambitions with the G3x. This seems like a response to Nintendo Switch (Nvidia) and Steam Deck (AMD) where Qualcomm clearly missed the boat. First, it needs to create a market for itself among developers.

And we close out by addressing the elephant in the room — if you’re going to talk about chips today, you have to talk about the great chip shortage. When will it end?

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
8 Gen 1?! (00:21)
Camera tech (06:56)
It’s in the chip (14:31)
8cx Gen 3 (18:19)
5 nanometer (22:38)
G3x for gaming (23:46)
Chip shortages (30:25)
Outro (32:55)

Photo credits: Qualcomm

Black Friday + Cyber Monday 2021: all you need to know

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 13:00:00 +0530

The American holiday season is in full swing — and it’s time for deals galore. Gadgets, clothes, subscriptions, you name it.

Gadgets 360 community manager and deals expert Harpreet Singh joins host Akhil Arora to talk about all things Black Friday 2021.

We discuss how you can shop Black Friday deals while sitting in India, the things you should know about shipping and customs, and the best product categories that are worth exploring.

Read: The best Black Friday 2021 deals

We touch upon the early Black Friday deals we have seen at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target — and the plethora of video gaming offers from Xbox, PlayStation, Steam, and Epic Games that are also available.

Along the way, we look at why you shouldn’t hang around too long on a good deal this year, and what you can expect from Black Friday’s counterpart Cyber Monday.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
What is Black Friday? (00:22)
How can India shop? (02:14)
The varied routes (03:58)
Customs, customs (06:10)
Ship with travellers (08:12)
Deals, deals, deals (09:54)
Best for India (13:12)
Cyber Monday! (15:52)
Tips and advice (17:29)
Outro (20:19)

Photo credit: Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

PUBG: New State Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 13:45:00 +0530

There’s a new PUBG in town — there’s no creative naming this time, to get around the bans and the controversies — and it’s already crossed the 10-million download mark in less than a week.

Gadgets 360 deputy video head Cyrus John and in-house PUBG expert Robin John join host Akhil Arora to discuss PUBG: New State.

We talk about what the return of the PUBG moniker means to Indian players. Though frankly, it’s the return of international servers that is arguably more important. You can play PUBG with the world again.

Read: PUBG: New State first impressions

We delve into how it compares to PUBG Mobile, I mean Battlegrounds Mobile India — it looks better (close to PC), and plays a bit different (you’ve drones, EV cars, and the gameplay is more realistic).

But will players migrate? Gamers have invested a lot of time and money in PUBG Mobile. And there’s less incentive for pros as well, given BGMI players can qualify for e-sports at the 2022 Asian Games.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Breath of fresh air (00:27)
Global servers (again) (03:15)
New State vs BGMI (05:37)
Realistic, futuristic (08:50)
Huge community (11:13)
PUBG split (15:04)
A better game (18:38)
Drones?! (19:47)
E-sports and beyond (23:59)
Outro (28:55)

Photo credits: Robin John/Gadgets 360

Red Notice Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 13:30:00 +0530

Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot in one Netflix movie. Made with a budget of $200 million (about Rs. 1,489 crores). What could go wrong? Turns out, everything.

Gadgets 360 deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Akhil Arora to discuss Red Notice.

We talk about what the superstar trio bring to the film — Red Notice is all about them and no one else, with audiences turning up to see what they do best. Naturally, they are not playing characters, but a version of themselves.

Read: Red Notice review

And though Reynolds supplies plenty of one-liners and Gadot charms her way through Red Notice, the action in what is meant to be an action comedy is entirely forgettable. Plus, you never feel like you’re there on location.

What did Red Notice do with its $200 million, beyond the $20 million (about Rs. 149 crores) salaries paid to the three stars?

Along the way, we touch upon Johnson’s career and how that affects this film, and delve into Netflix’s desperate hunt for an action franchise.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Not much of a plot (00:29)
Playing themselves (03:12)
Random stuff happening (06:30)
Forgettable action (09:50)
$200 million?! (13:06)
Heavy creative control (15:40)
Netflix is in it for IP (18:18)
Johnson is the franchise (21:34)
Content factory (25:14)
Outro (28:53)

Photo credits: Frank Masi/Netflix, Netflix

JioPhone Next Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 5 Nov 2021 14:00:00 +0530

It’s finally here — the fruits of Jio and Google’s partnership have come home this Diwali with a new entry-level phone that Reliance hopes will be the 4G smartphone for everyone.

Gadgets 360 video producer Aditya Nath Jha and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join host Akhil Arora to discuss the JioPhone Next.

We talk about the phone’s 5.45-inch 720p display and the 1.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 quad-core processor, neither of which is class-leading. The JiPhone next is also stuck with Android Go — rebranded here as Pragati OS — though thanks to Google, the camera’s AI processing is definitely class-leading.

Watch: JioPhone unboxing, in Hindi

But there are problems elsewhere too. The JioPhone Next must have Jio as its primary SIM, Jha tells us, while the secondary SIM is restricted to 2G network. So much for Reliance’s ‘2G-Mukt Bharat’ vision.

And though Jio is bringing EMIs (that can also be paid in cash) to low-cost phones with the JioPhone Next, there are catches. With the most affordable EMI plan, the JioPhone Next will end up costing you over Rs. 13,000. Yes, that includes Jio data and voice plans but they are quite limited.

Additionally, if you fail to pay EMIs on time, the phone can be locked by the financier. No word on whether that will affect basic features such as calls too.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Basic build (00:23)
Removable battery (01:33)
Jio 4G, rest 2G (02:45)
Performance? (04:11)
EMI plan combos (09:03)
Defaulting locking (13:30)
Google camera AI (15:35)
Custom features (18:22)
Alternatives (23:30)
Made for India (26:18)
Outro (33:31)

Photo credits: Aditya Nath Jha/Gadgets 360

How HMD Global Is Planning to Make Nokia Phones Successful in India — Orbital exclusive

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 12:00:00 +0530

Nokia brand licensee HMD Global has launched a list of smartphones and feature phones in India in the last one year. But how it is planning to take on the likes of Realme and Xiaomi? We discuss.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Aditya Shenoy joins host Akhil Arora to talk about the past, present, and future of Nokia phones in India with HMD Global VP for India and MENA Sanmeet Singh Kochhar.

Kochhar tells us about the different Nokia smartphone series that are aimed to target a variety of Indian consumers. He also talks about the newly launched Nokia XR20 and encourages our listeners to drop the phone to test its ruggedness live.

We also discuss on the ongoing ‘Make in India’ moves by HMD Global and how it is doing research and development (R&D) natively in the country. Kochhar also reveals plans to start importing Nokia phones from India to global markets.

Apart from phones, HMD Global also has accessories under the Nokia brand. Kochhar tells us that there are plans to launch the Nokia T20 tablet in India soon — alongside maintaining the phones and accessories.

We wrap up by asking the executive on how HMD Global stands against the legacy Nokia brand that once became a household name in India and around the world.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
COVID-19’s impact and outcomes (01:36)
Sudden shift in the smartphone market (11:06)
Nokia phones against Realme and Redmi models (15:22)
What’s in store for the premium market (24:31)
The rugged phone (29:08)
‘Make in India’ moves by HMD Global (32:42)
Company's first Android tablet (37:16)
Nokia as a household name (39:54)
Outro (43:05)

Photo credits: HMD Global, MakeinIndia.com

MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max, AirPods 3rd Gen, and Apple Music Voice

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 12:00:00 +0530

Time to go Pro — Apple announced two new MacBook Pros with its new powerful chips M1 Pro and M1 Max this week, alongside Pro-like features for the new AirPods and a Siri-driven Apple Music plan. Okay, that last one may not be Pro.

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo join host Akhil Arora to discuss the MacBooks and the chips.

We talk about what Apple is promising with the M1 Pro and M1 Max, and why they can’t be compared directly to laptop chips by other manufactureres like Intel and AMD. We dive into the pricing for the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, which might seem incredible but there’s more to it. Along the way, we touch upon the good (ports are back!) and the bad (Jamshed rants about the notch).

Later, senior reviewer Ali Pardiwala hops on to talk about the third generation of AirPods with Roydon and Akhil.

Ali explains how useful the Pro-like features are, be it spatial audio, head-tracking, or the supposed “superior” codec. We delve into the long-term battery issues with AirPods — and all other truly wireless earbuds.

We wrap up by wondering who the new Apple Music Voice plan is for that works only with Siri, and discuss the upsides and downsides of the HomePod mini that is now available in funky new colours.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
M1 Pro and M1 Max (00:19)
New MacBook Pros (09:59)
That notch (18:15)
AirPods 3 (25:50)
Better alternatives (31:51)
AirPods battery ded (33:45)
HomePod mini, in colours! (44:10)
Apple Music Voice (47:38)
Outro (52:14)

Photo credits: Apple, Samsung

Realme’s Madhav Sheth — Orbital exclusive

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 11:30:00 +0530

Realme isn’t just a leading smartphone brand anymore — it’s also number one in tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and ANC earphones (on Flipkart). How did this happen? We hear it from the horse’s mouth.

Madhav Sheth, Realme VP and CEO for Realme India, Europe and Latin America joins Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and Orbital host Akhil Arora for a wide-reaching conversation.

Sheth talks about why Realme is making so many products, some that are not even connected to its Internet of Things ecosystem, why Realme and other brands are so big on 5G chipsets, and their plans for the new Realme GT series that expanded this week with the GT Neo 2.

Along the way, Sheth touches upon Realme’s Make in India push that he hopes will move beyond “Assemble in India”, and why Realme doesn’t have different local and global strategies. It’s about understanding the consumer — someone in Mumbai and Madrid might be more similar than next-door neighbours.

Sheth also dicusses deceiving marketing tactics from companies, and advocates for more transparency within offline traders and promoters, who have developed a reputation for recommending brands that provide financial incentives.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
New GT Neo series (00:20)
Make in India (07:49)
Local is global (12:23)
Online revolution (14:26)
Small (town) is big (19:36)
A Realme every week (21:52)
Realme laptop (27:33)
Misleading buyers (30:02)
Why the overlap (34:44)
The 5G push (36:33)
Outro (40:54)

Photo credits: Realme

Vivo X70 Pro+ Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 8 Oct 2021 13:30:00 +0530

Vivo’s new flagship smartphone, coming just six months on from the previous one, improves upon every problem we had with its predecessor.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto and deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo join host Akhil Arora to discuss the Vivo X70 Pro+.

We talk about its double USP: the X70 Pro+ offers optical image stabilisation (OIS) on all four rear cameras, and the ultra-wide lens also has gimbal stabilisation that does GoPro-like horizon levelling. It’s quite cool.

Read: Vivo X70 Pro+ Review

Along the way, we touch upon Vivo’s imaging chip V1 (that is used for night-mode photography, the Zeiss-branded photo modes, and gaming), and the hybrid Funtouch and Origin OS offering (the latter, heavy on widgets, was exclusive to China).

The big question though, is whether the X70 Pro+ can be recommended — given it’s priced at nearly Rs. 80,000, alongside the iPhone 13 and the Samsung Galaxy S21+. And does Vivo intend to sell it, or is it a halo product like Xiaomi’s perpetually-unavailable Mi 11 Ultra?

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Solves X60 Pro+ problems (00:22)
No heating issues (04:52)
Vivo listening to us (06:31)
Horizon levelling (08:25)
More (OIS) cameras (11:52)
Vivo’s V1 chip (14:33)
Funtouch + Origin OS (16:36)
Can you recommend it? (20:04)
Hopefully it will be sold (25:09)
Outro (30:49)

Photo credits: Sheldon Pinto/Gadgets 360

Inside Amazon’s Great Indian Festival

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 1 Oct 2021 14:15:00 +0530

India’s festive season is here — and with it, comes the return of Amazon’s month-long sale event, the Great Indian Festival, starting October 2 for Prime members and October 3 for everyone else.

Amazon India consumer electronics category leader Akshay Ahuja speaks to host Akhil Arora to give us insight into the Great Indian Festival.

We discuss what customers can expect across the month of October (a lot of new launches!), and how they can enhance their shopping experience (you can shop with Alexa, and on Amazon in eight languages).

Read: How to find the best deals at Great Indian Festival

Ahuja talks about the trends and challenges Amazon India has seen during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with the lockdown impacting the Great Indian Festival last year, and which categories have seen higher interest during the pandemic.

Along the way, we touch upon how Amazon prepares for these big sales, and how it deals with “high-velocity” items such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Sales, sales, sales (00:35)
Why is it month-long? (01:41)
What to expect (03:34)
COVID challenges and trends (05:54)
PS5 and Xbox Series S/X (11:12)
GIF 2021 vs GIF 2020 (14:17)
What does best in GIF? (16:09)
Headphones first (19:27)
How Amazon prepares (23:10)
Regulatory concerns (24:03)
Outro (25:49)

Logos: Amazon. Composite: Akhil Arora/Gadgets 360

Surface Laptop Studio, Pro 8, Duo 2, and Go 3

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 12:15:00 +0530

Surface, surface everywhere. Microsoft announced a bunch of new hardware this week — with the highlights being the Surface Pro 8, Surface Go 3, Surface Duo 2, and Surface Laptop Studio.

Gadgets 360 senior reporter and Orbital producer Jagmeet Singh and reviews editor Jamshed Avari join host Akhil Arora to discuss all four new Microsoft devices.

We talk about how the Surface products are about setting the vision for what Microsoft wants Windows 11 hardware to be.

The Surface Pro 8 — priced as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro at $1,100 — brings much-needed upgrades with 120Hz refresh rate, better performance, longer battery life, and Thunderbolt ports. While the Surface Go 3 is the poorer cousin of Pro 8, with Microsoft billing it as a family device.

Read: Surface Laptop Studio, Pro 8, Duo 2, and Go 3 launched

The Surface Laptop Studio, on the other hand, is meant to be a halo product, not practical for most to buy. Starting at $1,600 for the Intel Core i5 variant, it goes up to i7 and Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti. The USP though are the three modes — Laptop (normal), Stage (creative), and Studio (tablet) — that transform the Laptop Studio in how you can use it.

That leaves the Surface Duo 2, Microsoft’s only Android device. It might look like Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, but it doesn’t have a foldable screen. Otherwise, it’s got the works: 5G, Snapdragon 888, triple rear cameras, 90Hz refresh rate, and games optimised for the dual-screen setup. And oh, it also has huge bezels.

All new Surface devices are out October 5 in the US alongside Windows 11. The Surface Pro 8 and Laptop Studio launch early 2022 in India.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Surface Pro 8 (00:19)
Surface Go 3 (05:52)
Surface Laptop Studio (13:15)
A halo product (18:47)
Surface Duo 2 (22:11)
Android + Windows? (28:53)
Outro (34:28)

Photo credits: Microsoft

iPhone 13, new iPad and iPad mini, and Apple Watch Series 7

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 14:45:00 +0530

They are here — Apple announced the iPhone 13 series this week, alongside two (surprise) new iPads and the Apple Watch Series 7. And they are all on pre-order now, except the new Watch.

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and IDC India research director Navkendar Singh join host Akhil Arora to discuss everything from Apple’s California Streaming event.

We talk about what the iPhone 13 prices mean for India, how they will offer a boost for older models (that are also getting price cuts), and why India being in the first wave of launches is important (hello, festive season sales).

Read: Is iPhone 13 the best new reason to buy an iPhone 12?

We delve into the 2021 iPad 9th-gen refresh (it’s boring but will be the one most buy), and the massive iPad mini update that takes a lot after the redesigned iPad Air. But we wonder who it’s for, beyond the industry use cases that Apple is hoping for.p>

Read: New iPad and iPad mini launched

Lastly, we touch upon the disappointing Apple Watch Series 7 announcement, with Apple providing very little info. This is likely because supply chain constraints have delayed its arrival, which also ties into why Series 3 (kill it!) is sticking around.

Read: These might be the Apple Watch Series 7 specs

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
iPhone 13 prices in India (00:25)
Great for iPhone 12 (04:09)
Price cuts for older models (07:38)
India in the first wave (13:09)
Two kinds of Apple buyers (15:25)
New iPad and iPad mini (19:45)
iPad mini in a weird spot (24:10)
No interest in the low-end (29:04)
Apple Watch Series 7 (30:23)
Why Series 3 is still here (34:27)
Outro (42:53)

Photo credits: Apple

iPhone 13 leaks, rumours, and everything we know

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 14:00:00 +0530

Will the iPhone 13 be a full-fledged upgrade, or more like an iPhone 12S?

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo join host Akhil Arora to discuss next week’s iPhone 13 launch and Apple event.

We talk about the leaks and reports we’ve seen so far, much of which have been focused on the Pro models. They are expected to get iPad Pro-like ProMotion displays that support 120Hz refresh rates. And every new iPhone 13 is expected to have an always-on display. You can expect the phones to be thicker as well, thanks to larger batteries.

The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max are also said to get new camera features, including portrait video (that focuses on the subject and blurs the background) and the ability to record high-quality ProRes video. Meanwhile, the regular iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini might have their cameras arranged diagonally.

Read: iPhone 13, Apple Watch Series 7, AirPods 3 key specifications and features leaked

Due to the new (Pro) features and ongoing chip shortages, iPhone 13 prices are expected to rise. Could iPhone 13 start at Rs. 80,000 in India? What matters more here is where the older models will fit in, as Apple always reduces prices when new iPhones are announced. We also speculate when we might get them in our hands (and if they will even launch together).

Lastly, we touch upon leaks for the Apple Watch Series 7, expected to have slightly bigger displays, and a flatter design to match the iPhone. And could AirPods 3 be the one more thing?

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Room for surprises (00:21)
Better rear cameras (02:55)
Flashier display (08:41)
Higher price! (16:01)
Launch dates? (19:32)
Apple Watch 7 leaks (21:01)
One more thing… (23:22)
Outro (25:22)

Photo credit: Apple

Drones in India: new rules mean less regulation, but privacy concerns abound

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 3 Sep 2021 12:00:00 +0530

How will India’s new liberalised drone rules impact the industry? And where are they left wanting?

Skye Air Mobility co-founder Swapnik Jakkampuddi, Internet Freedom Foundation associate counsel for surveillance and transparency Anushka Jain, and Tech for Wildlife founder-director Shashank Srinivasan join host Akhil Arora to discuss just that.

We talk about how the Drone Rules 2021 do away with unnecessary and time-consuming security clearances, and are much easier to parse than the old ones — but it’s worth noting that these are still early days, and there’s a lot they leave out, including basic stuff such as the legality of DJI drones (the most popular in the world) or counter-drone measures (can you shoot down a drone if it flies over your property?).

Read: Drone Rules 2021 announced

Additionally, the new eased regulations have made misuse of drones much easier, be it on an individual peeping-tom level or via the police who are taking to new technology more and more. There are major questions over privacy, data security, and mass surveillance — none of which are addressed by Drone Rules 2021. And you may face many legal hurdles in taking someone to court over being surveilled by drones.

This vacuum isn't just harmful to fundamental rights of humans, but also other species. We delve into the need for more clarity over e-waste disposal, better enforcement for protected areas like national parks, and ensuring that drones do not further expand the divide between oppressed communities and the authorities. We also touch upon the medicine-from-the-sky trials currently being undertaken.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Fewer restrictions (01:25)
What about privacy? (05:45)
Working with locals (09:59)
Tech > Enforcement (12:25)
Still early days (15:27)
Scope for misuse (20:05)
Wildlife conservation (27:32)
Legal hurdles (33:03)
Outro (39:27)

Photo credit: Kushal Medhi

Realme GT 5G and GT Master Edition Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 16:00:00 +0530

Realme has retired “X” — and introduced the GT series with two new sub-Rs. 30,000 and 40,000 phones.

Gadgets 360 senior reviewers Sheldon Pinto and Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to talk about the Realme GT 5G and GT Master Edition.

We discuss Realme’s counterintuitive approach with the naming and the design. The GT Master Edition is the more afforadble phone, while the plainly named GT 5G is the more expensive one. They have a vegan leather option (sounds premium), but it’s only on the cheapest variant.

Read: Realme GT Master Edition first impressions

We delve into their performance — the GT 5G has a Snapdragon 888 that calls for compromise elsewhere — the many cameras on offer, and the Realme UI software that emerged out of Oppo’s ColorOS which has now been merged with OnePlus’ OxygenOS. If you know, you know.

Speaking of OnePlus, we also touch upon their competitors that includes the Nord 2, as well as the gaming-focused Poco F3 GT. Oh hey, is that where Realme got the idea for “GT”? The new Realme phones don’t have hardware triggers, though they do have better-supported Snapdragon chipsets.

Read: Realme GT 5G first impressions

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
GT is the new X (00:22)
GT ME competition (02:15)
Cheap tactics (04:42)
Vegan leather (07:08)
Performance (10:20)
Cameras and more (15:53)
What does GT 5G offer? (19:58)
GT 5G competition (25:25)
Specs and software (30:24)
Outro (35:33)

Cover credit: Sheldon Pinto/Gadgets 360. Photo credits: Pinto, Roydon Cerejo, Jamshed Avari, Aditya Shenoy/Gadgets 360

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 Preview

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 15:00:00 +0530

Are the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 still made for enthusiasts — or are they good enough for everyone?

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo join host Akhil Arora to talk about Samsung’s new foldables.

We discuss the India pricing of the two new Galaxy Z devices (and the cashback and offers you can avail), and how Samsung has improved on their respective previous iterations (120Hz display and S Pen support among them).

Read: Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 launched in India

We delve into the downsides of an under-display camera (and the potential upsides), the multiple use cases of their multiple cameras (the Flip 3 is its own tripod), and how Android works on foldables (and what Samsung brings to it with One UI).

Along the way, we pick our favourites between the Fold 3 and Flip 3, and wonder why there aren’t many companies in this exciting category (hello Moto).

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
India prices (00:20)
Where’s the competition? (05:43)
Samsung’s new vs old (09:41)
Under-display camera (14:39)
Android on foldables (20:22)
Our favourites (25:16)
Outro (28:11)

Photo credits: Samsung

Fast & Furious 9 Review / The Suicide Squad Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 15:15:00 +0530

A double delight for John Cena fans this week, purely by happenchance, as Orbital dives into two of his latest movies: the DC supervillain get-together The Suicide Squad, and the heist family saga Fast & Furious 9.

Gadgets 360 chief sub-editor and comic book fan Shayak Majumder joins host Akhil Arora to talk about The Suicide Squad. We discuss James Gunn’s shock-and-awe tactics and how he makes use of the giant ensemble, led by Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, Joel Kinnaman, and Cena.

We touch upon Gunn’s mannerisms that contribute to a bonkers over-the-top movie, the multiple Guardians of the Galaxy cameos he stuffs here, and why we enjoyed everything about King Shark. Lastly, we look at where The Suicide Squad lands in the DC Extended Universe canon.

Read: The Suicide Squad Review

Later, Gadgets 360 senior reviewer Ali Pardiwala and sub-editor Jasmin Jose — both Fast & Furious fans — join Akhil to discuss F9.

We delve into the sheer craziness of the film, with returning director Justin Lin putting a meta spin on how these street racers have become invincible superheroes along the way. They seemingly cannot die, and even when they do, they can always be brought back.

But Fast & Furious 9 wastes some of its cast (Charlize Theron and Sung Kang) or doesn’t know how to use them (Cena). Lin also loves action gimmicks — he was behind the bank vault chase in Fast Five — and on Fast & Furious 9, he turns to electromagnets. He also sends the Fast crew to space!

Ali, Jasmin, and Akhil wrap up by picking their favourite Fast & Furious chapter — there’s no common ground, surprisingly.

Read: From F9 to The Suicide Squad, what to watch in August

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

The Suicide Squad (00:00)
Unlike all of DCEU (04:55)
Peacemaker vs Bloodsport (08:23)
Gunn-isms, ft. King Shark (15:02)
Starro the Conqueror (19:09)
More Squad, and where it falls (23:40)
Fast & Furious 9 (28:03)
Racers to superheroes (36:26)
Back from the dead (39:42)
Electromagnets! (43:28)
Young Torettos (45:27)
Our favourite F&F (47:30)

Cover credit: Universal Pictures. Photo credits: Jessica Miglio/DC Comics, DC Comics/Warner Bros., Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

Nothing Ear 1 and India’s TWS earphone market

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 6 Aug 2021 12:00:00 +0530

OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei is back, with Nothing. Its first product is Ear 1, a pair of true wireless stereo (TWS) earphones like the AirPods.

Gadgets 360 audio guru Ali Pardiwala, Headphone Zone founder and CEO Raghav Somani, and MySmartPrice editor-in-chief Ershad Kaleebullah join host Akhil Arora to talk about Nothing and India’s TWS market.

We discuss why Nothing is making its debut with wireless earbuds, what it’s offering in terms of features (including active noise cancellation), and how it’s undercutting competition in India. The Ear 1 cost just Rs. 5,999 as opposed to $100 (~Rs. 7,500) and £100 (~Rs. 10,400) elsewhere.

Read: Nothing Ear 1 first impressions

Along the way, we delve into the big problems with TWS earphones — owing to tiny (custom-made) batteries, they don’t last very long and in turn, are generating a lot of e-waste — and what Indians generally want when they are in the market for new wireless buds.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Why truly wireless earbuds (00:49)
Ear 1 are good (03:11)
…but not too good (07:01)
That price tho! (08:48)
Who is Nothing? (10:53)
Android vs iPhone (13:37)
ANC is a checkbox (16:21)
But most don’t care (21:00)
Battery life meh (23:20)
TWS’ biggest problems (24:51)
Outro (29:34)

Photo credit: Nothing

OnePlus Nord 2 5G Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 12:30:00 +0530

Is OnePlus cannibalising itself with the Nord 2 5G?

Gadgets 360 deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to talk about all things Nord 2.

Read: OnePlus Nord 2 5G first impressions

We discuss how it fits into OnePlus’ ever-expanding line-up, how it fares against its competition, and the switch to a MediaTek chipset — a first for OnePlus.

Read: OnePlus Nord 2 vs Poco F3 GT: battle of the affordable flagships

Along the way, we delve into the OxygenOS-ColorOS UI bleed that is happening thanks to OnePlus’ merger with Oppo, and what that could mean for the future of phones from both manufacturers.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
vs Nord and Nord CE (00:22)
Competition (04:35)
Good all-rounder (08:50)
Qualcomm -> MediaTek (11:39)
Oppo bleed (16:09)
Who is it for? (24:56)
vs OnePlus 9R (28:00)
Outro (32:16)

Photo credit: Aditya Shenoy/Gadgets 360

Prime Day 2021

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 15:15:00 +0530

Amazon’s annual shopping extravaganza and giant advertisement for its subscription service is back — for a two-day event on Monday, July 26 and Tuesday, July 27.

Gadgets 360 community manager and deals expert Harpreet Singh joins host Akhil Arora to talk about all things Prime Day 2021.

We discuss what you should expect (the best discounts are always on Amazon products) and how to prepare (set up wishlists and notifications). We also give you tips on deal hunting and tell you what to stay away from.

Read: How to get the best Prime Day deals

Lastly, we touch upon why you might want to wait for festive period sales (that are closer to Prime Day this time), and when you shouldn’t. As always, we will highlight the best deals on Gadgets 360, so stick around.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
What is Prime Day? (00:19)
What to expect (03:13)
Amazon is always on sale (05:02)
How to prepare (06:37)
What to do on sale day (09:44)
The kinds of deals (12:25)
Hey, impulse buyers (14:39)
What to avoid (16:50)
Prime Day vs festive sales (18:58)
Outro (21:50)

Loki Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:00:00 +0530

This week on Orbital, it’s time for Loki, the Marvel Cinematic Universe series that ended its six-episode run Wednesday on Disney+ and Disney+ Hotstar.

Gadgets 360 chief sub-editor Shayak Majumder and deputy news editor Veer Arjun Singh — both Marvel fans — join host Akhil Arora to talk about the Tom Hiddleston-led TV show.

Major spoilers ahead.

Read: Loki Season 1 Review

We discuss the fitting nature of Loki (Hiddleston) falling in love with another Loki aka Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino), Hiddleston and Owen Wilson’s dynamic that powered early episodes, and Marvel’s recurrent problem with killing off characters — or rather, its inability to.

We analyse Jonathan Majors’ introduction as Kang the Conqueror/ He Who Remains, and what his multiverse monologue means for what’s to come in the MCU. And along the way, we see how Loki compares to its predecessors: WandaVision, and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Kang the Conqueror (00:34)
Sylvie and comic tweaking (06:44)
vs other Marvel series (10:41)
Mobius and Loki (15:56)
vs other Marvel series pt. 2 (21:29)
Future of the MCU (26:58)
Kang the Conqueror pt. 2 (28:44)
Loki loves Loki (37:31)
Outro (39:30)

The Best Smartphone

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 9 Jul 2021 15:00:00 +0530

What is the best smartphone in India right now?

Gadgets 360 deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to discuss the crème de la crème.

We talk about the obvious lakhpati kids in the room (hello, Apple and Samsung), the premium flagship killers (from Xiaomi and OnePlus), and a specialist device for mobile gamers (hi, Asus).

Along the way, we touch upon what you get for paying through the nose, and look at upcoming phones (from Google and beyond) in the second half of 2021.

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
What to expect >Rs. 50,000 (00:36)
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (04:59)
iPhone 12 (Pro / Pro Max) (11:05)
S21 Ultra vs iPhone 12 (21:25)
Mi 11 Ultra (24:37)
OnePlus 9 Pro (28:36)
A specialist choice (36:41)
What’s coming in rest of 2021 (44:50)
Outro (51:19)

Windows 11 Preview

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 2 Jul 2021 13:15:00 +0530

Six years on from the launch of Windows 10, Microsoft has unveiled the next-generation of its flagship operating system. This time, it didn’t skip a number though — and hence, we have Windows 11.

Gadgets 360 senior reporter and Orbital producer Jagmeet Singh and video producer and Windows settings critic Shubham Raheja join host Akhil Arora to discuss what’s on offer here.

We talk about the headline feature: you can run Android apps on Windows 11, though you will need the Amazon Appstore via the Microsoft Store. It’s complicated. But at least, Microsoft is playing nice with others.

Read: Windows 11 announced

We delve into the UI and UX changes, from the glassy Windows Vista-like look to the deep integration for Microsoft Teams, its Zoom and Slack competitor. And of course, that central Start button shift — literally.

Along the way, we touch upon the (odd) hardware requirements for Windows 11, the powerful new (Xbox) gaming features, and how Windows at times gets too big and overwhelming for itself.

Read: You can now download the Windows 11 Insider Preview

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
What’s new with Windows 11? (00:53)
Centre start button (03:45)
Android apps! (06:31)
New (Vista) look (10:01)
All Windows in one (11:41)
Xbox at the heart (14:06)
Who gets the upgrade (16:14)
What’s this TPM? (18:49)
How to get Windows 11 (21:36)
Everything else (25:05)
Outro (27:36)

Battlegrounds Mobile India

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 16:00:00 +0530

Rechristened as Battlegrounds Mobile India, the country’s favourite battle royale title has returned — albeit in early access for now — to its largest market after a nine-month-long government-imposed ban.

Gadgets 360 deputy news editor Veer Arjun Singh and deputy video head Cyrus John — both PUBG Mobile veterans — join host Akhil Arora to discuss the new avatar of PUBG Mobile.

We talk about the lack of India-specific introductions, the problems with being India-only, the broken friend lists, and how Battlegrounds Mobile India is essentially old wine in an existing (green) bottle.

Read: Battlegrounds Mobile India first impressions

We also delve into what made PUBG Mobile such a rage in India, the early success of Battlegrounds Mobile India, and why it has (likely) triumphed over global battle-royale king Fortnite.

Lastly, we touch upon controversies new and old — and how Krafton could have handled the launch better, and why the ban (naturally) helped PUBG Mobile’s competition in India.

Read: BGMI pinged Tencent server only ‘to enable game features’, Krafton says

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
It’s the same (Chinese) game (00:21)
Why PUBG Mobile took off (04:54)
Bans are great for some (07:53)
5 million already (09:26)
Missing friends (12:04)
India-only (13:48)
The controversies (15:17)
No serious attempt (16:56)
The China servers (20:37)
How gamers feel (22:29)
Where’s Fortnite? (25:15)
Outro (29:35)

E3 2021: Starfield, Forza Horizon 5, Guardians of the Galaxy and more

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 14:45:00 +0530

The all-virtual E3 2021 — video gaming’s biggest annual extravaganza — had a lot to offer, with presentations from the likes of Xbox, Ubisoft, Nintendo, and Square Enix.

Gadgets 360 chief sub-editor Shayak Majumder and deputy video head Cyrus John — both gaming nerds — join host Akhil Arora to discuss all things E3 2021.

We talk about our favourite games: the “Skyrim in space” Starfield, the Mexico open-world racer Forza Horizon 5, and Guardians of the Galaxy that only lets you play as Star-Lord. Guardians of the Galaxy is out October 26, Forza Horizon 5 follows on November 9, but Starfield isn’t due until November 2022.

Read: Everything Xbox announced at E3 2021

Beyond that, we dive into Master Chief’s belated entry into the free-to-play space with Halo: Infinite (late 2021), why we are excited about the first-person Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (2022) and co-op open-world Contraband, and get nostalgic over Age of Empires IV (October 28).

Along the way, we touch upon highly-anticipated sequels and follow-ups, be it the cloudy The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2, the turn-based Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, alt-history tongue-in-cheek The Outer Worlds 2, and co-op alien corridor shooter Rainbow Six Extraction.

Read: Everything Ubisoft announced at E3 2021

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Guardians of the Galaxy (00:28)
Starfield (06:00)
Forza Horizon 5 (10:25)
Halo: Infinite (14:20)
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (17:38)
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope (22:03)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 (26:51)
Contraband (30:51)
Rainbow Six Extraction (34:04)
Age of Empires IV (35:51)
Outro (38:54)

WWDC21: iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS Monterey, watchOS 8 and more

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 14:00:00 +0530

iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS Monterey, watchOS 8, and iCloud+ — they are all official. Apple unveiled the next iteration of software updates for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch at its developer conference earlier this week, alongside a range of new and improved apps and services.

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo join host Akhil Arora to discuss all things WWDC 2021.

Read: iOS 15 with new FaceTime, iMessage, sharing, Focus, and privacy features announced

We talk about why iOS 15 isn’t as major an upgrade as previous builds. It’s focused on the core and system apps, with a new notifications summary, new customisable Focus modes, Live Text à la Google Lens, and spatial audio and SharePlay in FaceTime.

Read: macOS Monterey 12 with Universal Control, Shortcuts announced

All of that is available in iPadOS 15 as well, which further benefits from a widgets system akin to iOS, and Universal Control with macOS Monterey that allows for drag and drop across Apple systems.

Read: iCloud+ with new privacy features, unlimited HomeKit video cameras support announced

And oh, then there’s iCloud+ that offers wide-ranging privacy — system-wide VPN and email address masking — at existing iCloud prices. Lastly, we touch upon the rest, including new India-specific features, watchOS 8 with Mindfulness app and improved Wallet, and Siri on third-party devices (with a catch).

Read: watchOS 8 with Mindfulness app, sleep respiratory rate tracking, Portrait watch face announced

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
iOS 15 (00:23)
New Focus and notifications (02:12)
Offline Siri! (07:25)
Live Text (08:37)
AR directions (11:14)
Better FaceTime (13:05)
Memories improved (16:42)
iCloud+ (18:12)
iPadOS 15 (21:15)
Universal Control with macOS Monterey (24:22)
Third-party Siri (27:07)
watchOS 8 (28:30)
What’s new for India? (31:20)
Things we missed (32:02)
Outro (34:31)

Cryptocurrency 101: Bitcoin, India, Elon Musk, investing, and the future

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 4 Jun 2021 13:00:00 +0530

Cryptocurrency prices have skyrocketed in the past year, with the likes of Bitcoin and Ethereum growing several times over, despite the global COVID-19 pandemic. Naturally, it’s turning a lot of heads.

WazirX founder and CEO Nischal Shetty and WeekendInvesting founder Alok Jain join host Akhil Arora to discuss the world of cryptocurrency.

We touch upon the regulatory landscape in India, from the back and forth between the RBI and the Supreme Court, to the lack of a clear legal definition for cryptocurrency that creates hurdles for crypto exchanges such as WazirX.

Read: Why does Bitcoin mining consume ‘insane’ energy?

We talk about what investors should know before jumping in, given the volatility in Bitcoin prices, the influence of Elon Musk’s actions, and the market’s immaturity in comparison to gold, equity, and real estate.

And we sign off by delving into its future, including the wide-reaching potential of blockchain technology that allows for the creation of a decentralised world. For now though, the industry is busy with NFTs. Oh boy.

Read: What is blockchain? And what can it offer us?

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
What is crypto? (00:37)
The grey zone (03:13)
Investor FAQ (08:43)
(Global) concerns (18:51)
A decentralised world (24:39)
The future (28:58)
Outro (35:23)

The All Television Spectacular

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 28 May 2021 12:00:00 +0530

The likes of Xiaomi and OnePlus have forever changed expectations for TV buyers, with 4K resolution, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos available at prices never seen before. How is this changing the television market in India?

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer and in-house TV expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Akhil Arora to discuss that — and a lot more.

We talk about how these smartphone manufacturers have achieved stunning specs, why the likes of Sony cannot be beaten at their game, and why consumers shouldn’t be too focused on the pixels. Well, sort of.

We also offer some buying advice, as we touch upon ideal screen sizes for viewing distances, the various LED display technologies out there, and why no one needs 8K resolution.

Read: The best TVs you can buy

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Invasion of the Phone Makers (00:24)
Hey, it’s me, compromise! (02:28)
It’s all in the panel? (04:03)
Why phones > TV screens (09:38)
Ideal screen sizes (12:33)
LED, QLED, OLED, and mini-LED (15:48)
Why Sony is still king (20:47)
All the specs, at a budget (23:52)
Ok, where’s the content? (25:51)
8K is too much (29:51)
Don’t be a videophile (sort of) (33:02)
Outro (36:25)

Google I/O: Android 12 and more / Army of the Dead Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 21 May 2021 16:45:00 +0530

Android 12 with Material You design and new privacy features, Wear OS merging with Samsung’s Tizen and powered by Fitbit, and more — this is the Google I/O 2021 episode.

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join host Akhil Arora to discuss the highlights from Google’s annual developer conference that was virtual and free to everyone this year.

We talk about how manufacturers might deal with the new Android design language, how serious the ads-driven Google is about data privacy, and why we are excited about the new Android TV remote app.

Read: Everything announced at Google I/O 2021

Later, we jump over to Army of the Dead, Zack Snyder’s zombie heist thriller movie out now on Netflix.

Gadgets 360 chief sub-editor Shayak Majumder and senior reviewer Ali Pardiwala — both zombie nerds — join Akhil to discuss what they liked and what they didn’t.

We touch upon Dave Bautista’s acting skills (or the lack of them), the film’s many failures (and how it wastes Huma Qureshi), and the different kinds of zombies (including Alpha zombies and a zombie tiger).

Read: Army of the Dead Review

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Android 12 (00:22)
Material You (03:16)
Privacy and profits (09:11)
Wear OS, meet Tizen (13:48)
Everything else (23:14)
Army of the Dead (27:29)
The many problems (33:20)
A bigger franchise (39:57)
Huma Qureshi?! (42:34)
Alpha zombies (44:13)
More Bautista (49:18)
Outro (53:38)

The Best Phone Under Rs. 30,000

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 14 May 2021 12:45:00 +0530

What is the best phone under Rs. 30,000 in India right now?

Gadgets 360 deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to discuss what buyers should expect from India’s hottest new smartphone segment.

We talk about why manufacturers are targeting the sub-Rs. 30,000 band, what the jump offers to budget-conscious buyers, and what features you can’t get at this price. It’s more than you might expect, thanks to some market realities.

And naturally, we answer the question you have come for. We also look at upcoming phones that might further shake up the Rs. 30,000 segment.

Read: The Best Phones Under Rs. 30,000

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Heating up in Rs. 30,000 (00:54)
Going up from budget (02:53)
The contenders (06:02)
CPU vs battery (13:36)
The newcomers (15:10)
Best Rs. 30,000 phone (19:44)
Upcoming ones (23:31)
What you can’t get here (26:17)
Outro (29:45)

Mi 11 Ultra Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 7 May 2021 14:00:00 +0530

Is Xiaomi’s new Mi 11 Ultra the best phone you can buy at Rs. 70,000?

Gadgets 360 deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to discuss Mi 11 Ultra — the most expensive phone Xiaomi has ever brought to India.

Xiaomi is going after a new crowd with the Mi 11 Ultra, those who have an eye on OnePlus 9 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. But crucially, will Xiaomi deliver Android updates for the next few years?

We also talk about the Mi 11 Ultra’s three cameras (and that camera bump), and the MIUI software that has always held Xiaomi back in the premium segment.

Read: Mi 11 Ultra Review

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Xiaomi’s most expensive phone (00:41)
Hello, premium crowd (04:31)
Mi 11 Ultra cameras (08:22)
Highest DxOMark rating (12:54)
Beating competitors at price (15:05)
That camera bump! (18:31)
Mi 11 Ultra software (22:06)
New (ultra) flagship killer? (27:01)
Outro (33:43)

Mi 11X Review / The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 12:30:00 +0530

Is Xiaomi's new Mi 11X the best phone under Rs. 35,000 in India?

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to discuss Mi 11X — the cheapest offering in Xiaomi's Mi 11 series that also includes Mi 11X Pro and Mi 11 Ultra. We touch upon the cameras, its competitors, what sets it apart, and Xiaomi's penchant for ads and bloatware.

Read: Mi 11X Review

Later, we jump over to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the Marvel Cinematic Universe series that ended its six-episode run last Friday on Disney+ and Disney+ Hotstar.

Gadgets 360 chief sub-editor Shayak Majumder and deputy news editor Veer Arjun Singh — both Marvel fans — join Akhil to talk about that new Captain America suit, how it compares to WandaVision, and its narrative failings with Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan).

We also dive into the Marvel series' motley of villains: Baron Helmut Zemo (Daniel Brühl), Power Broker/ Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp), US Agent/ John Walker (Wyatt Russell), the Flag Smashers and their leader Karli Morgenthau (Erin Kellyman), and Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus).

Read: The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Review

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
The Mi 11 range—some rebranded (00:24)
What's unique about Mi 11X? (02:35)
Mi 11X UI (07:05)
Where's the compromise? (09:50)
Cameras on the Mi 11X (15:00)
Mi 11X competitors (19:17)
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (23:50)
vs WandaVision, 6-hour movie (25:40)
Poor Winter Soldier and Zemo (30:58)
John Walker is US Agent (33:40)
From Agent 13 to Power Broker (38:08)
Valentina! Julia Louis-Dreyfus! (42:32)
New Captain America suit (45:52)
Captain America and White Wolf (51:44)
Flag Smashers smashed (56:26)
Outro (01:01:44)

Apple’s Spring Loaded event: iPad Pro, iMac, Apple TV 4K, AirTag — and purple iPhone

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 11:45:00 +0530

Apple announced a new iPad Pro, 24-inch iMac, and Apple TV 4K this week — along with AirTag, finally. And a purple iPhone was thrown into the mix.

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and in-house Apple expert Harpreet Singh join host Akhil Arora to discuss all things Apple from the Spring Loaded event.

We talk about the two new iPad Pro models (11-inch and 12.9-inch), why they are designed for a niche use, and what's limiting them (hint: it's iPadOS).

Read: iPad Pro with Apple M1, Mini-LED display, and Thunderbolt launched

We dive into the new 24-inch iMac that's nearly a centimetre thin but still has a giant chin. Also, why does Apple prioritise design over use in a desktop computer?

Later, we jump over to the new Apple TV 4K that promises high-refresh-rate 4K HDR but skips over on any gaming improvements. Curious.

Read: iMac 24-inch with Apple M1 launched, Apple TV 4K refreshed with A12 Bionic

And lastly, we touch upon Apple's entry into a new product segment with the AirTag trackers.

Read: All you need to know about AirTag

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
New iPad Pro (00:24)
The best thing about iPad Pro (03:22)
With accessories, is it a computer? (04:39)
iPad Pro is still an iPad (06:42)
New 24-inch iMac (08:09)
Not upgradeable, not portable (10:53)
Mac mini or iMac? (14:54)
New Apple TV 4K (17:25)
Why A12 Bionic, not A14? (20:13)
Gaming on Apple TV (21:42)
What can Apple TV do that others can't? (24:15)
AirTag (25:57)
Outro ft. purple iPhone (32:09)

OnePlus 9R and OnePlus Watch Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 12:00:00 +0530

Is OnePlus 9R old wine in a new bottle — or something more?

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and in-house OnePlus expert Ali Pardiwala join host Akhil Arora to discuss the new Rs. 40,000 phone — the fourth entry in its line-up, the most OnePlus has ever had.

We touch upon how the 9R compares to its more expensive sibling, its primary competition, and what buyers should expect from the 9R. Towards the end, we field questions from our audience.

Read: OnePlus 9R Review

Later, we jump over to the OnePlus Watch, the first "smartwatch" from the Shenzhen-headquartered manufacturer.

Gadgets 360 reviewer Aditya Shenoy and smartwatch enthusiast Shubham Raheja join Akhil to talk about its various limitations and where it all stems from: putting battery life first.

Watch: OnePlus Watch Unboxing and First Impressions

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Intro (00:00)
What to expect from 9R (00:30)
OnePlus 9 vs 9R (02:35)
9R's competition (06:55)
Mid-range or premium? (09:30)
9RT / 9TR soon? (11:22)
Phones are boring (13:32)
Audience Q&A (18:05)
OnePlus Watch (23:02)
Watch OS (24:50)
No apps, little customisation (28:40)
Mic yes, voice assistant no (33:00)
Battery life first (35:00)
FAQ (38:30)
OnePlus Watch alternatives (42:01)
Outro (45:03)

LG Quits Mobiles / Outriders Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 9 Apr 2021 19:00:00 +0530

Why did LG give up on its smartphones business?

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and Counterpoint analyst Tarun Pathak join host Akhil Arora to discuss what led to LG's exit, the Korean manufacturers' innovations and mistakes, and how the industry is due for another upheveal.

Watch: RIP LG Smartphones

Later, we jump over to Outriders, the new co-op RPG shooter from People Can Fly, out on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.

Resident gamer and Gadgets 360 chief sub-editor Shayak Majumder joins Akhil to talk about the good and the bad of the new video game: the recurring server troubles, the varying character classes, the keep-you-on-your-toes gameplay, and problems with cross-play and grinding.

Read: Outriders Review

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters Intro (00:00) What made LG quit? (00:32) LG's innovative ideas—and problems (03:50) Did we see LG's exit coming? (06:52) LG first, phones second (10:54) LG's other failures: webOS and Intel (12:55) Does this impact LG? (14:44) Who's next? And what's the future like? (16:19) Outriders (22:00) What Outriders is like (23:18) Outriders feels old—but has some good ideas (25:30) Outriders enemies and gameplay (28:40) Character classes in Outriders (30:42) Grinding and 'World Tier' (36:09) The thing with microtransactions (41:30) Server troubles and cross-play (45:27) Outro (49:26)

The Best Phone Under Rs. 15,000 / OK Computer with Neil Pagedar and Pooja Shetty

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 2 Apr 2021 18:00:00 +0530

What is the best phone under Rs. 15,000 in India right now?

Gadgets 360 deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to discuss what buyers should expect in a sub-Rs. 15,000 phone, the marketing jargo and buzzwords to be aware of, upcoming phones to keep an eye out for, and why you need to pay double to get a better camera. And oh, they answer the title question.

Read: The Best Phones Under Rs. 15,000

Later, we go behind the scenes of OK Computer, the new Hotstar Specials original.

OK Computer creators Neil Pagedar and Pooja Shetty join Akhil to talk about the Disney+ Hotstar series' myriad inspirations, how they sought to make something uniquely Indian, the struggles of making a sci-fi comedy TV show in India, their stance on the culture of taking offense, and what they have planned for a shared OK Computer universe.

Read: OK Computer Review

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) What to look for in a sub-Rs. 15,000 phone (00:01:15) Marketing jargon to be wary of (00:05:31) What are the top choices? (00:09:24) The best phone under Rs. 15,000 (00:18:30) Android updates, and value-for-money (00:19:16) Upcoming phones under Rs. 15,000 (00:23:17) How much should you pay over Rs. 15,000 for a better camera? (00:24:27) OK Computer with Neil Pagedar and Pooja Shetty (00:27:54) Inspirations: Hitchhiker's, The Office, and beyond (00:28:11) Challenges in making a sci-fi series in India (00:37:21) The OK Computer universe (00:44:22) An AI god, or how to deal with the easily-offended (00:57:40) Outro (01:06:56)

OnePlus 9 Pro Review / Justice League Snyder Cut Review

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 19:30:00 +0530

Is OnePlus 9 Pro the best flagship phone of 2021 as yet?

Gadgets 360 deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and reviewer Aditya Shenoy join new host Akhil Arora to discuss whether it's worth the price bump, what the Hasselblad partnership brings, and whether it can go toe-to-toe with Apple and Samsung's latest.

Read: OnePlus 9 Pro Review

Later, we jump over to Zack Snyder's Justice League.

DC aficionados — Gadgets 360 news editor Abhinav Lal and chief sub-editor Shayak Majumder — join Akhil to talk about the wasted opportunities, Snyder's odd choices (including that aspect ratio), and the differences with the original Justice League.

Read: Justice League Snyder Cut Review

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

To New Beginnings...

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 18:40:00 +0530

Your future podcast host Akhil Arora joins host Pranay Parab to discuss the future of Orbital.

Introduction

What next for Orbital

What Pranay is doing next

Is Redmi Note 10 the Best Phone Under Rs. 15,000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 18:40:00 +0530

Reviews editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Redmi Note 10 series.

Introduction

Redmi Note 10 Review

Redmi Note 10 Pro Max Review

Is Redmi Note 10 Pro the best value device?

Does MIUI 12 still have ads and spam?

Best phone under Rs. 15,000

Are AmazonBasics TVs Good Enough to Beat Mi TVs in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 5 Mar 2021 12:35:00 +0530

TV expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the best budget TVs.

Introduction

Amazonbasics TV Review

Fire TV OS

Mi TV 4A Horizon

What you won't get with budget TVs

Should you spend more for a TV from a traditionally big brand?

Is Samsung Galaxy F62 the Best Phone Under Rs. 25,000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 15:40:00 +0530

Android expert Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the F62.

Introduction

Build quality

The processor

Camera specs and performance

Battery life

Should you buy the F62?

Is Samsung Galaxy S21+ the Perfect Flagship for Most Indians?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 15:40:00 +0530

Android expert Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the S21+ and S21.

Introduction

Build quality

The future of smartphones

Camera specs and performance

Accessories in the box

Should you buy the S21+?

PS5 vs Xbox Series X: Which Is the Best Gaming Console for India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 18:00:00 +0530

Game console reviewer Akhil Arora joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Xbox Series X and PS5.

Introduction

Why is it so hard to buy Xbox Series X and PS5 right now?

Digital vs Disc Edtion

Backwards compatibility?

DualSense vs Xbox Wireless Controller

Should you buy PS5 or Xbox Series X?

Can Realme X7 Pro Take on OnePlus Nord?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 5 Feb 2021 18:40:00 +0530

Android expert Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Realme X7 Pro.

Introduction

Realme X7 Pro review

Realme X7 Pro camera review

Can it beat Nord?

Software experience

Is LG Wing's Unique Design Good Enough to Help It Succeed in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 18:30:00 +0530

Android expert Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the LG Wing.

Introduction

LG Wing review

LG Wing's quirky design

LG Wing battery life and performance

The future of LG in the smartphone market

Is Samsung S21 Ultra the Most Complete Android Phone Ever?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 18:30:00 +0530

Deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.

Introduction

S21 Ultra camera review

S21 Ultra accessories removed from the box

Battery life and performance

Software

Does WhatsApp’s New Privacy Policy Spell the End for Your Privacy?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 19:57:00 +0530

US-based tech lawyer Mishi Choudhary joins host Pranay Parab to talk about why you should worry about WhatsApp's updated privacy policy.

Introduction

WhatsApp's new privacy policy

Why is the policy being changed?

Should you delete WhatsApp?

Are Signal and Telegram safe?

Can Mi 10i Take on OnePlus Nord, Samsung Galaxy M51?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 8 Jan 2021 17:57:00 +0530

Reviews editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Mi 10i.

Introduction

Mi 10i cameras

Snapdragon 750G performance

The MIUI experience

Mi 10i vs OnePlus Nord

What Will the Most Exciting Tech Launch of 2021 Be?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 1 Jan 2021 22:18:00 +0530

Video producer Shubham Raheja joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the tech we want to see in 2021.

Introduction

Best purchase of 2020

Foldable phones and software enhancements

ARM processors on Windows laptops

What we want to buy in 2021

Is Mi QLED TV 4K the Best Affordable TV for Enthusiasts?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 25 Dec 2020 17:55:00 +0530

TV expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Mi QLED TV 4K.

Introduction

QLED vs OLED

Mi QLED TV 4K performance

Software and UI performance

Sound quality and the remote

Is HomePod mini the Best Smart Speaker Under Rs. 10,000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 17:55:00 +0530

Audio expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the HomePod mini.

Introduction

Apple's new smart speaker

Do you need two HomePod minis for the best result?

Bugs and minor issues

Sound quality and the Siri experience

Is MacBook Air M1 the Portable Beast of a Laptop You Always Wanted?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 15:24:00 +0530

Deputy Reviews Editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the new MacBook Air (M1).

Introduction

Apple's new chipset

Performance

Software and emulation

Do you need 16GB RAM?

Are Micromax In 1b, In Note 1 Good Enough to Take the Brand to the Top in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Sat, 5 Dec 2020 01:27:00 +0530

Android enthusiast Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the new Micromax phones.

Introduction

Micromax's new smartphones

Camera performance

Software polish

Are Micromax's new phones worth buying?

Will iPhone 12 mini Become the Affordable iPhone Indians Have Been Waiting For?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 01:27:00 +0530

Reviews Editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the iPhone 12 mini.

Introduction

Apple's new iPhone 12 series

Camera performance

A14 Bionic SoC

Which is the best "value" iPhone 12 series device?

iPhone 12 Pro Series Is Amazing, but Why Is It So Expensive in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 21:10:00 +0530

Deputy Reviews Editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Introduction

Apple's new iPhone 12 Pro series

Camera performance

A14 Bionic SoC

Which is the best "value" iPhone 12 series device?

Will Apple Silicon Usher in an Era of Affordable Macs in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 20:28:00 +0530

Apple enthusiast Preshit Deorukhkar joins host Pranay Parab to talk about Apple Silicon powered Macs.

Introduction

Apple's new M1 chip

macOS Big Sur

The new Macs

What to expect from Apple in the near future

Which Is the Best TV Under Rs. 25,000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 6 Nov 2020 18:35:00 +0530

Audio and TV expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the best TVs under Rs. 25,000.

Introduction

Mi TV 4A Horizon Edition

Other TVs under Rs. 25,000

Should you buy budget smart TVs?

What to remember before buying budget TVs

Which Is the Best Budget Streaming Device in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 18:35:00 +0530

Deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the OnePlus 8T.

Introduction

Who needs a streaming stick?

Mi TV Stick vs Fire TV Stick Lite

Mi Box 4K vs Fire TV Stick 4K

What can Apple do to get into this space?

Is OnePlus 8T the Best 'Value Flagship' of 2020?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 18:35:00 +0530

Deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the OnePlus 8T.

Introduction

OnePlus 8T price

OnePlus 8T performance

OnePlus 8T camera

Should you buy OnePlus 8T or OnePlus 8 Pro?

Are iPhone 12 mini, HomePod mini the Perfect Apple Devices for India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 18:35:00 +0530

Friend of the podcast Preshit Deorukhkar joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the iPhone 12 series and HomePod mini.

Introduction

HomePod mini

iPhone 12 Series

Should you buy iPhone 11 over the iPhone 12?

What to expect from Apple in the rest of 2020

iPhone 11, Galaxy S20+ Sale Offers Are Great, but Will There Be Enough Stock?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 9 Oct 2020 18:35:00 +0530

Deals expert Harpreet Singh joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the best Flipkart, Amazon sale offers.

Introduction

Flipkart sale offers

Amazon sale offers

Will iPhone 11, S20+ deals be in stock?

What else to buy from Flipkart, Amazon during sales

OnePlus 8T Leaked Specs Look Great, but Where Is the Cheaper Nord?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 1 Oct 2020 19:20:00 +0530

Android expert Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about OnePlus 8T leaks.

Introduction

OnePlus 8T specs

What we want from OnePlus 8T launch

OnePlus Watch?

Where is OnePlus 8T Pro?

Why Xbox Series S, PS5 Digital Edition Could Fail in India

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 21:41:00 +0530

Gaming experts Rishi Alwani and Mikhail Madnani join host Pranay Parab to talk about the Xbox Series X, S, and the PS5 in India.

Introduction

Xbox Series S, X

PS5

Is there a future for digital-only consoles in India?

Games we've been playing this week

Are Apple Watch SE, iPad 8th Gen the Perfect ‘Affordable’ Products for India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 19:49:00 +0530

Apple enthusiast Preshit Deorukhkar joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Apple Event.

Introduction

iOS 14

Apple Watch Series 6, SE

iPad 8th Gen

iPad Air

The Real Cost of Shipping Budget Phones Without Bloatware or Ads

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 16:01:00 +0530

Android enthusiast Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Moto G9.

Introduction

Why there are no great phones under Rs. 8,000

Why budget phones don't get software updates

Moto G9 software

Can software be a differentiating factor?

Is Android One Holding Nokia Back in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 4 Sep 2020 22:52:00 +0530

Android enthusiast Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Android One ecosystem and Nokia's role in it.

Introduction

The history of Android One

The role of Nokia in it

Nokia's Android One phones

The hidden cost of sticking with Android One

The future of Nokia in India

Is This the Beginning of the End for the Galaxy Note Series?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 01:21:00 +0530

Reviews editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.

Introduction

Note 20 Ultra vs Note 20

S Pen

Samsung's dilemma

Who should buy Note 20 Ultra?

The future of the Note series

We Recommend the Best True Wireless Earphones Under Rs. 10,000

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 16:43:00 +0530

Audio expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the best true wireless earphones under Rs. 10,000.

Introduction

What to look for under Rs. 10,000

OnePlus Buds vs Vivo TWS Neo

Creative Outlier Air

Lypertek Tevi

Notable mentions

Should the Government Explain Why Chinese Apps Have Been Banned in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 00:15:00 +0530

Tech lawyer Mishi Choudhary joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Chinese app ban in India and the way forward.

Introduction

Can the government ban Chinese apps?

Why the government does not have to explain its app ban

The anti-China sentiment and how it led to the app ban

How the government can communicate the reason these apps were banned

How tech policies can be made in India

How to Find the Best Deals During Big Online Sales

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Sat, 8 Aug 2020 00:15:00 +0530

Deals expert Harpreet Singh joins host Pranay Parab to talk about online sales in 2020.

Introduction

Amazon Prime Day

Best deals

How to spot good deals

How to stop impulse buying

What to expect from Diwali sales

Will Nord Be the iPhone SE of OnePlus?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 22:20:00 +0530

Deputy Reviews Editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the OnePlus Nord.

Introduction

OnePlus Nord branding

OnePlus Nord price

OnePlus Nord competition

OnePlus Nord vs OnePlus 8

OnePlus Nord verdict

Is Redmi Note 9 the Perfect Successor to the Redmi Note 8?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 21:30:00 +0530

Reviewer Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Redmi Note 9

Introduction

Redmi Note series branding

Redmi Note 9 review

Why Are Smartphone Prices Rising in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 0:55:00 +0530

Reviews editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the recent smartphone price hikes and his thoughts on the Realme C11, a new budget smartphone in India.

Introduction (0:00)

Price rise (1:00)

Realme C11 (8:00)

Poco M2 Pro: Did We Really Need a Redmi Note 9 Pro Clone?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 12:16:00 +0530

Poco M2 Pro and Redmi Note 9 Pro are a big part of the discussion on this episode of Orbital as deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab.

Introduction (0:00)

The history of the Poco brand (1:10)

Poco M2 Pro clones Redmi Note 9 Pro (3:00)

Poco M2 Pro review (7:30)

Poco M2 Pro vs Redmi Note 9 Pro vs Realme 6 (15:45)

Why Do Indians Love Xiaomi TVs So Much?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 3 Jul 2020 20:29:00 +0530

On this episode Eshwar Nilakantan, category lead for TV at Xiaomi India, and Sudeep Sahu, product manager at Xiaomi India, speak with Gadgets 360’s audio and TV expert Ali Pardiwala along with host Pranay Parab. We talk about everything from the Mi Box to the Mi TV 4X and Xiaomi’s strategy in the TV space in India.

Xiaomi's journey in the Indian TV market (0:30)

Will Xiaomi make premium TVs? (5:30)

Why did Xiaomi take so long to launch TVs in India? (7:30)

How PatchWall came about (12:30)

What do Indians watch on TVs? (15:45)

What if people buy Mi Box but not Mi TV? (18:15)

Will Xiaomi launch a non-smart TV? (21:15)

How Xiaomi designs remotes (24:00)

Which is the most popular Xiaomi TV in India? (24:00)

What's Xiaomi going to launch next? (34:55)

AirPods As a Service: The WWDC 2020 Special Episode

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 01:29:00 +0530

Apple enthusiasts Preshit Deorukhkar (https://twitter.com/preshit) and Tanmay Sonawane (https://twitter.com/tanmays) join host Pranay Parab to talk about WWDC 2020 and what we're looking forward to.

WWDC 2020 (0:30)

iOS 14 (1:15)

iPadOS 14 (20:05)

macOS Big Sur (23:16)

Apple's move to Apple silicon for Macs (29:50)

AirPods features (40:50)

Has Xiaomi Cracked the Laptop Market With the Mi Notebook 14 Horizon Edition?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 22:19:00 +0530

Reviews editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Mi Notebook 14 Horizon Edition.

Mi Notebook 14 Horizon Edition (0:30)

Price in India
Display/li>
Software experience
Build and design
Gaming review
Should you buy it?

Is OnePlus 8 Pro the Perfect Premium Smartphone for India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 11:00:00 +0530

Deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the OnePlus 8 Pro and whether you should buy this phone.

OnePlus 8 Pro (0:30)

Price in India
Display/li>
Software experience
Camera performance
Should you buy it?

OnePlus 8 vs Mi 10 5G: Which Is the Best 'Value Flagship' Phone in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Sat, 6 Jun 2020 01:02:00 +0530

Deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the OnePlus 8 and how it compares against the Xiaomi Mi 10 5G.

OnePlus 8 vs Mi 10 5G (0:30)

Price in India
Variants/li>
Software experience
Camera comparison
Performance

Is Realme Smart TV the Best TV Under Rs. 15,000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 29 May 2020 23:43:00 +0530

In-house audio and TV expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the new Realme Smart TV and whether it's worth the hype.

Realme Smart TV (0:30)

Price in India
Processor
Software experience
Hardware and ports
Picture quality

Is Redmi Note 9 Pro Max the Best Affordable Camera Phone in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 22 May 2020 17:00:00 +0530

In-house Android expert Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to tell you whether the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max is worth buying.

Redmi Note 9 Pro Max (0:30)

Price in India
Reasons for price hike
The quad rear camera setup
Software and ads
Performance and battery life

Which Is the Bestselling Vivo Phone in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 15 May 2020 22:00:00 +0530

Vivo's director of brand strategy Nipun Marya joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the company's strategy in India.

Vivo's strategy in India (0:30)

Vivo's premium phone strategy
Online vs offline strategy
Why Vivo has been slow with software updates
What to expect from Vivo in 2020
Will Vivo be launching products other than phones?

Is Mi 10 an Expensive OnePlus 8 or a Budget S20 Ultra?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 8 May 2020 19:24:00 +0530

Gadgets 360's reviews editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Mi 10 launch in India and what to expect from Xiaomi in the premium segment.

Mi 10 (0:30)

Xiaomi's premium phone strategy
Mi 10 price in India
Mi 10 vs competition
108-megapixel camera
MIUI 12 on Mi 10

WhatsApp’s About to Get a Killer Feature That Every Indian’s Been Waiting For

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Sat, 2 May 2020 19:24:00 +0530

Gadgets 360's e-commerce expert Harpreet Singh joins host Pranay Parab to talk about JioMart and its decision to enable ordering via WhatsApp.

Order groceries via WhatsApp on JioMart(0:30)

The Facebook-Jio deal
How to order groceries via WhatsApp
The challenges for JioMart
The one killer feature WhatsApp still needs
Will WhatsApp become India's WeChat?

Will OnePlus 8 Series Be Able to Take on iPhone SE (2020), Samsung S20 in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 24 Apr 2020 15:01:00 +0530

Audio and TV expert Ali Pardiwala and Android expert Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to talk about the OnePlus 8 series price in India and where it stands when compared with iPhone SE (2020) and Samsung's S20 series.

OnePlus 8 vs iPhone SE (2020) (0:30)

Hardware
Pricing
Competition
Discounts in the future
Has OnePlus cut one corner too many?

OnePlus 8 Pro (19:28)

Flagship features
Price in India
Will IP rating make it to India?
Competition from the S20 series

Is iPhone SE (2020) the Ultimate ‘Affordable’ iPhone for India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 20:01:00 +0530

Audio and TV expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the iPhone SE (2020) and the OnePlus 8 series.

iPhone SE (2020) (0:30)

Hardware
Pricing
Display
Battery life
Has Apple got this right?

OnePlus 8 Series (14:22)

Features missing on OP8
The rising price
Specifications and what's missing
Possible India price

Mi TV 4X vs Vu Cinema TV: Budget 4K TV Battle

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 23:59:00 +0530

Audio and TV expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the best budget 4K TV in India right now.

Mi TV 4X vs Vu Cinema TV (0:30)

Mi TV 4X vs Vu Cinema TV features
Pricing
Software
Picture quality
What to expect for SD content
Audio quality and remote
Which one to buy

OnePlus 8 Series Leaks Look Exciting, but When Will It Launch in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Sat, 4 Apr 2020 15:31:00 +0530

Audio and TV expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the upcoming OnePlus 8 series launch.

OnePlus 8 series leaks (0:30)

OnePlus 8 series leaks (three new devices)
What we’ve seen in terms of specs
What features we want to see
Where OnePlus Z (8 Lite) fits in the lineup
The state of lockdown and when India launch could take place
Why OnePlus might have chosen to go ahead with launch in spite of challenges currently in its biggest market (India)
Timing of eventual launch in India might be too close to Galaxy Note, iPhone

How to Stay Sane During the Coronavirus Lockdown in India

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 18:31:00 +0530

Work-from-home expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the lockdown and how best to deal with it.

Coronavirus Lockdown (0:30)

How permanent WFH has affected you and what we're struggling with
How we are getting work done from home
How to set boundaries between work and other things like chores, kid, and buying groceries
Tools to keep in touch with family
How to do things with friends and family while in lockdown (refer to Akhil’s piece on together watching tools)
Games to play together
Stuff to do to destress and avoid panic

Can Netflix Force Bollywood to Reinvent Itself?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 22:51:00 +0530

Gadgets 360's Akhil Arora speaks to Guilty writer-director Ruchi Narain and the four Indian women involved in Ladies Up — Netflix's upcoming four-episode stand-up comedy series — Kaneez Surka, Niveditha Prakasam, Supriya Joshi, and Prashasti Singh.

Guilty (0:58)

Advantages of Netflix
Netflix's creative freedom
Guilty's conception and how it reached Netflix
Being a woman in Bollywood
Arriving on Guilty's idea
What Guilty is about

Ladies Up (12:00)

Comedy on YouTube vs streaming
Comedy on Indian TV
Diverse voices online
Ladies Up release date on Netflix

Is Redmi Note 9 Pro the New Best Phone Under Rs. 15,000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 16:48:00 +0530

Reviews editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Redmi Note 9 Pro.

Redmi Note 9 Pro (0:30)

Note 9 Pro Max vs Note 9 Pro
Display
Fingerprint sensor
Software and MIUI's adware problem
Camera performance
Battery life and charging speed
The new design language

Is Realme 6 the Redmi Note 8 Pro Killer India Has Been Waiting For?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 6 Mar 2020 16:48:00 +0530

Android experts Aditya Shenoy and Roydon Cerejo join host Pranay Parab to talk about the Realme 6 and the Realme 6 Pro.

Realme 6 and Realme 6 Pro (0:30)

Positioning in the market
Online exclusive versus offline availability
Camera performance
Realme 6 vs Redmi Note 8 Pro
Realme 6 Pro vs Realme X2 vs Poco X2
The unending smartphone launch spree
The potential impact of Coronavirus

Can Samsung Galaxy M31 Beat the Redmi Note 8 Pro, Poco X2?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 16:03:00 +0530

Android expert Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Samsung Galaxy M31.

Samsung Galaxy M31 (0:30)

Build and design
Performance
Software
Cameras
M31 vs M30s
Both Samsung phones vs Poco X2 vs Redmi Note 8 Pro vs Realme X2
Samsung's strategy in the budget segment

Can Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite, Note 10 Lite Dethrone OnePlus 7T?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 21:43:00 +0530

Android experts Roydon Cerejo and Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the S10 Lite and the Note 10 Lite.

Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite (0:30)

Build and design
What these two phones are missing
Performance
Software
Cameras
S10 Lite vs Note 10 Lite
Both Samsung phones vs OnePlus 7T
Samsung's strategy

Is Realme C3 Price Likely to Usher in a Budget Smartphone Revolution?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:10:00 +0530

Android expert Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Realme C3.

Realme C3 (0:30)

Build and design
Realme's budget phone strategy
Performance
Battery life
Cameras
Software: Android 10 on a budget phone
Cameras and other cons
Competition

Is Poco X2 the New Best Phone Under Rs. 20,000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 7 Feb 2020 15:10:00 +0530

Reviews editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Poco X2 and how it impacts the Indian smartphone market.

Poco X2 (0:30)

Build and design
Poco brand strategy
Cameras
Battery life
Software
Display: LCD vs OLED
Poco X2 vs Realme X2
The future of Poco

Is Samsung Galaxy A51 a Worthy Redmi K20 Rival?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 19:26:00 +0530

Deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Galaxy A51 and Samsung's smartphone launch strategy.

Samsung Galaxy A51 (0:30)

Build and design
Exynos 9611 vs competition
Cameras
Battery life
Software
Display
Galaxy A51 vs Redmi K20 Pro
Samsung's strategies in the budget and premium markets

Redmi Note 8, Redmi 7, More: Which Are the Best Phones Under Rs. 10000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 23 Jan 2020 21:45:00 +0530

Reviews editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the best phones under Rs. 10,000.

Best phones under Rs. 10,000 (0:30)

Redmi Note 8
Realme 5s and Realme 5i
Redmi Note 8 or Realme 5s?
Realme U1
Samsung Galaxy M20
Redmi 7 and Redmi 8A
Nokia 5.1 Plus
Infinix Note 5
Realme C2

Buying a Budget TV Online? Here’s How to Pick the Best One

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 18:38:00 +0530

TV expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the budget TV space and the exciting developments taking place there.

Best budget TVs in India (0:30)

4K HDR TVs under Rs. 20,000
Dolby Vision TVs under Rs. 35,000
What to look for when buying budget TVs
The intense competition in budget TV market
Buying TVs online vs offline
Disruption in the premium TV market

Realme 5i or Redmi Note 8: Which one should you buy?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 19:15:00 +0530

Reviewer Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to talk about Realme 5i, the company's latest budget smartphone.

Realme 5i (0:30)

Build and design
Is it different from Realme 5, 5s?
Pros of this phone
Where it falls short
How it fares against Redmi Note 8
Which one should you buy?

Will OnePlus Concept One Be the Most Exciting Product to Launch at CES 2020?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 3 Jan 2020 19:35:00 +0530

Reviews Editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab to talk about CES 2020.

CES 2020 (0:30)

OnePlus Concept One
Samsung at CES
LG TVs
Sony at CES
Intel vs AMD
Flying cars and more trends

Is Realme X2 Better Than Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi K20?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 20:06:00 +0530

Deputy Reviews Editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Realme X2.

Realme X2 (0:30)

Realme X2 price in India
X2, XT, X -- confusing lineup
Performance
Cameras
Battery life
Software

Which Is the Best Phone of 2019?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 19:31:00 +0530

On this episode reviews editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the best phones of 2019, as the year comes to a close.

Best phones of 2019 (0:30)

OnePlus 7T, 7T Pro
iPhone 11, 11 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
Redmi K20 Pro
Realme X2 Pro
Honourable mentions

Is AirPods Pro the Best Pair of Truly Wireless Headphones in the World?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 18:31:00 +0530

On this episode audio and TV expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the AirPods Pro.

AirPods Pro

Price in India
Build quality
Noise cancellation
Performance and battery life
Should you buy AirPods Pro?
Long-term usage

Galaxy M10s: Can Samsung Take on Redmi, Realme in the Sub-Rs. 10,000 Segment?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 6 Dec 2019 18:31:00 +0530

On this episode reviewer Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Samsung Galaxy M10s.

Samsung Galaxy M10s

Build quality
Price in India
Cameras
Performance and battery life
Why Samsung lags behind in the budget space
What it can do to beat Realme, Redmi
Should Samsung slash prices of its budget phones?

Realme 5s or Redmi Note 8: Which Is the Best Phone Under Rs. 10,000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 29 Nov 2019 22:57:00 +0530

On this episode Deputy Reviews Editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Realme 5s.

Realme 5s vs Redmi Note 8

Build and design
Price in India
Cameras
Performance and battery life
Realme's strategy in India
Should Realme slow down the pace of phone launches?
What's coming next in the budget phone market?

Realme X2 Pro: Is It the OnePlus 7T Killer You've Been Waiting For?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 18:33:00 +0530

On this episode Deputy Reviews Editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the the Realme X2 Pro.

Realme X2 Pro

Design
Price in India
Cameras
Performance and battery life
Charging speed
Should you buy it?

Which Is the Best Phone Under Rs. 15,000 (Nov 2019)?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 00:48:00 +0530

On this episode Reviews Editor Jamshed Avari and Android expert Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to talk about the best phones under Rs. 15,000 right now.

Best Phones Under Rs. 15,000 (0:30)

Realme 3 Pro
Redmi Note 8 Pro
Nokia 7.1
Samsung Galaxy M30s
Other excellent picks in this price range

Which Is the Best Camera Phone in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 8 Nov 2019 18:58:00 +0530

On this episode Deputy Reviews Editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the iPhone 11 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+’s camera performance.

iPhone 11 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ (0:30)

Specs
Daylight
Low light photos
Selfies
Videos
Verdict

Has Xiaomi Cut Too Many Corners With the Mi TV 4X 4K HDR TV?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 1 Nov 2019 14:43:00 +0530

Should you buy the Mi TV 4X 4K HDR TV that's priced under Rs. 30,000? Or are you better off with a dumb TV at the same price? Our in-house audio and TV expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Pranay Parab to discuss this.

Mi TV 4X 50 (0:30)

Value for money
Design
Ports
Display quality
Software
Processing power
Remote
Should you buy Mi TV 4X 50?

Have Redmi Note 8 and Realme 5 Left All Other Budget Phones in the Dust?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 16:54:00 +0530

Redmi Note 8 price in India is extremely competitive and reviews editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab to share his thoughts on this new smartphone.

Redmi Note 8 (0:30)

Build quality
Design
Performance
Cameras
vs Realme 5
Software
Battery life
State of the budget phone market in India

Is Realme XT the Reason Behind Redmi Note 8 Pro’s Killer Pricing?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 14:36:00 +0530

Redmi Note 8 Pro price in India is excellent, but do we have to thank Realme XT for that? We discuss that and whether you should buy the Redmi Note 8 Pro, on this episode. Reviewer Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to discuss all things Redmi Note 8 Pro.

Redmi Note 8 Pro (0:30)

Pricing strategy
Realme’s pricing
Cameras
Performance
Software
Battery life
Some minor complaints
Should you buy Redmi Note 8 Pro?

Is India Ready for Gaming Phones Such as ROG Phone 2?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 08:45:00 +0530

Is there a market for gaming phones in India? We discuss that and much more on this episode. Reviewer Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab on this episode to talk about this.

ROG Phone 2 (0:30)

What distinguishes gaming phones from other phones
ROG Phone 2's gaming features
How useful are gaming features
Who ROG Phone 2 is for
Is Android ready for gaming phones?
Is there a market for gaming phones in India?
Would you rather buy a Nintendo Switch?
Thoughts on other aspects of ROG Phone 2

Has OnePlus 7T Launched Too Soon After OnePlus 7, OnePlus 7 Pro?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 4 Oct 2019 08:45:00 +0530

Reviews editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the OnePlus 7T and whether you should buy the smartphone.

OnePlus 7T (0:30)

The timing of the launch
OnePlus 7T price in India
The best features of 7T
Should OnePlus 7 buyers be miffed with OnePlus?
Should OnePlus 7 Pro buyers have waited for 7T?
OnePlus 7T performance
OnePlus 7T cameras
The future of OnePlus as a brand

Is OnePlus TV Q1 Pro the ‘Flagship Killer’ of TVs?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 14:19:00 +0530

OnePlus TV price in India has been revealed and we asked our in-house audio and TV expert Ali Pardiwala to join host Pranay Parab for this episode of Orbital.

OnePlus TV Q1 Pro (0:30)

OnePlus TV Q1, OnePlus TV Q1 Pro Launched in India
Design
Soundbar
Software
Display quality
Remote
OnePlus Connect app
Should you buy this TV?
OnePlus TV Q1 Pro Review

iPhone 11 or iPhone XR: Which Is the Best iPhone for India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 17:39:00 +0530

iPhone 11 price in India and iPhone 11 Pro Max price in India have been revealed, and our reviews of both devices have been published. What's next? A podcast on the latest iPhones, of course. Editor in chief Kunal Dua joins host Pranay Parab once again to discuss all things iPhone 11.

iPhone 11 (0:30)

Is iPhone 11 the Ideal iPhone for India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 21:34:00 +0530

On this episode we talk all things Apple, right after the iPhone 11 launch event. Editor in chief Kunal Dua joins host Pranay Parab to share his thoughts on the iPhone 11 price in India, Apple Watch Series 5, iPad (2019), Apple Arcade, and Apple TV+.

iPhone launch event (0:30)

Are Jio Fiber Plans Revolutionary or Just the Same as Airtel and Others?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 6 Sep 2019 17:34:00 +0530

Hindi editor and Jio Fiber user Sandeep Sinha joins host Pranay Parab to share his thoughts on Jio Fiber's commercial launch, plans, and what to expect in the broadband market in India.

Jio Fiber plans (0:30)

What is Jio Fiber?
How much does it cost?
Who should get it?
What are the benefits and freebies?
How it fares agains the competition
The fine print
What to expect in the coming months

Does Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ Show Us the Future of Mobile Photography?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 16:55:00 +0530

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ camera has been reviewed in our office and we take this opportunity to speak about its pros, cons, and tell you where flagship smartphone cameras are heading. Reviewers Aditya Shenoy and Roydon Cerejo join host Pranay Parab on this episode.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ Camera and the direction of flagship phone cameras (0:30)

From single to multiple cameras
What kind of lenses we have seen
Which are the most useful lenses
Software improvements
Night Sight
Note 10+ features such as Zoom-in Mic and Super Steady
What to expect from the next iPhone and Pixel 4

Does Xiaomi Really Want to Sell Its Android One Phones?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 19:42:00 +0530

The Xiaomi Mi A3 is here and its flaws remind us of its predecessors and make us wonder whether Xiaomi is interested in selling its Android One phones. Reviewers Aditya Shenoy and Roydon Cerejo join host Pranay Parab on this episode.

Mi A3 (0:30)

Design
Software
Camera
Value for money
Android One
What people want from Android
What manufacturers gain from this programme

Vivo S1, Vivo Z1 Pro Show Signs That Vivo’s Evolving?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 23:58:00 +0530

On this episode reviews editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab to discuss all things Vivo.

Vivo S1, Vivo Z1 Pro, and overall strategy (0:30)

Design
Software
Camera
Value for money
Innovation
Flagship segment
What we want to see from Vivo

Is Vivo S1 a Better Buy Than the Redmi K20 and Realme X?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 9 Aug 2019 22:03:00 +0530

The Vivo S1 is a strong contender in the sub-Rs. 20,000 price segment, but should you buy it? Reviewers Aditya Shenoy and Roydon Cerejo join host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Vivo S1 (0:30)

Design
Build quality
Display
Performance
Camera
Software
Battery life
Vivo S1 vs Realme X vs Redmi K20
Verdict

Which Is the Cheapest Phone That Can Run PUBG Mobile Lite?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 2 Aug 2019 20:53:00 +0530

Reviewers Roydon Cerejo and Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to discuss how PUBG Mobile Lite runs on some of the most affordable Android phones in India.

PUBG Mobile Lite (0:30)

What the game is about
Difference between PUBG Mobile Lite and PUBG Mobile
Phones we tested PUBG Mobile Lite on
How it plays on these phones
How PUBG Mobile Lite is better
Download and install sizes
What to expect in the future

Are Redmi K20 Pro and Redmi K20 the Best Phones Under Rs. 30,000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 22:08:00 +0530

Reviewers Roydon Cerejo and Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to talk about the Redmi K20 and the Redmi K20 Pro.

Redmi K20 Pro and Redmi K20 review (0:30)

Pricing
- Why people are complaining
- Why they shouldn’t complain
Performance
Display
Cameras
Battery life
Software
Verdict

Is Realme 3i the New Best Phone Under Rs. 8,000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 18:08:00 +0530

The Realme 3i offers good specifications at a sub-Rs. 8,000 price point. Deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about this phone.

Realme 3i (0:30)

Design
Specifications
Performance
Camera
Battery Life
Competition
Which is the best phone under Rs. 8,000

Which Is the Best Phone Under Rs. 20,000 in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 15:01:00 +0530

Vivo Z1 Pro, Redmi Note 7 Pro, Samsung Galaxy M40, and Realme 3 Pro are excellent smartphones, but which one of them is the best phone under Rs. 20,000? Reviewer Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Best Phones Under Rs. 20,000 (0:30)

Build and design comparison
Displays compared
Battery life comparison
Which phone has the best camera?
Software
Verdict

Is Vivo Z1 Pro the Best Smartphone Under Rs. 15,000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 5 Jul 2019 13:50:00 +0530

On this episode reviews editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Vivo Z1 Pro, which packs impressive specifications at a great price.

Vivo Z1 Pro (0:30)

Design
Specifications
Pricing
Variants
Camera
Performance (Snapdragon 712 vs 710 vs 660)
Software (Funtouch OS vs stock Android)
How it fares against the competition
- Redmi Note 7 Pro
- Realme 3 Pro
Should you buy Vivo Z1 Pro?

Can Innovative Cameras, Aggressive Pricing Help Asus 6Z Beat OnePlus 7?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 22:34:00 +0530

Asus 6Z is a mid-range flagship smartphone that's taking on the OnePlus 7. We've compared the two phones at length to help you choose one of them. Reviewers Ali Pardiwala and Roydon Cerejo join host Pranay Parab.

OnePlus 7 vs Asus 6Z (0:30)

Design
Innovative camera setup
Build quality
Headphone jack
Expandable storage
Cameras
Software
Performance
Battery life
Final thoughts

Is the Samsung Galaxy M40 Good Enough to Beat Redmi Note 7 Pro?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 21:01:00 +0530

The Galaxy M40 offers powerful specifications at a reasonable price, but does it perform? Deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Samsung Galaxy M40 (0:30)

Design
Hole-punch display
Video watching experience
Build quality
Missing features
Performance
Camera
Battery life
Software

Does Oppo Reno 10X Zoom Have the Best Telephoto Lens on a Smartphone?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 20:31:00 +0530

Reviewers Jamshed Avari and Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to discuss the Oppo Reno 10X Zoom and the OnePlus 7.

Oppo Reno 10X Zoom (0:30)

Camera quality
That zoom lens
The marketing gimmicks
Performance
Build quality
Battery life
Software
Cons

OnePlus 7 (15:30)

Missing features
Value for money
Camera performance
Battery life
Design and build
Software

An AI-Based Yo Yo Honey Singh

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 6 Jun 2019 10:42:00 +0530

We spoke with WWDC 2019 student scholarship winners Sudarshan Sreeram and Akhil Tolani about the apps that won them the scholarship, how to maximise your chances of winning the scholarship, what you gain from it, and what to expect if you win it.

Interview with WWDC 2019 scholars (0:30)

Sudarshan Sreeram
- Background before getting into WWDC
- Tic Tac Toe
- A Maze
Akhil Tolani
- Background
- Neural network that can rap
- iMusic
- Rapto
- MirrAR
What WWDC scholars get
What Sudarshan and Akhil gained from WWDC
What to do if you attend WWDC
Tips for your WWDC scholarship project

Is Redmi Note 7S an Overpriced Redmi Note 7 or a Real Improvement?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 31 May 2019 20:42:00 +0530

Reviewers Roydon Cerejo and Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to talk about the Redmi Note 7S.

Redmi Note 7S (0:30)

Pricing
Camera
Performance
Battery life
Software
Design and build

Which Is the Best Phone Under Rs. 8,000 in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Sat, 25 May 2019 12:04:00 +0530

Reviewers Aditya Shenoy and Roydon Cerejo join host Pranay Parab to discuss the best phones under Rs. 8,000 in India.

The best phones under Rs. 8,000 in India (0:30)

Realme C2
Asus ZenFone Max M1
Infinix Smart 3 Plus
Realme C1
Redmi Go

Is OnePlus 7 Pro an iPhone, Samsung Killer or Yet Another Pretender?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 17 May 2019 17:49:00 +0530

The OnePlus 7 Pro is the most expensive device the company has ever released and it packs in hardware that can command that kind of a price. Reviewers Roydon Cerejo and Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to discuss.

OnePlus 7 Pro (0:30)

Pricing
OnePlus 7 vs OnePlus 7 Pro
Specifications
Design
Build Quality
Camera
Performance
Software
Battery life

Has Pixel 3a’s Price Tag Ruined Its Prospects in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 9 May 2019 23:49:00 +0530

Is the Pixel 3a too expensive for India? Reviewers Aditya Shenoy and Ali Pardiwala join host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL (0:30)

Cameras
Design
Pricing
Missing premium features
Google’s big marketing problem

Do Redmi 7 and Redmi Y3 Prices in India Show That Xiaomi’s Missed a Trick?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 19:48:00 +0530

Our reviews of the Xiaomi Redmi 7 and the Redmi Y3. Reviewers Jamshed Avari and Roydon Cerejo join host Pranay Parab for this episode.

Redmi 7

Build quality
Performance
Cameras
Battery life
Software
Ads

Redmi Y3

Design
Selfie camera
Rear cameras
Battery life
Performance
Software
Ads

Realme 3 Pro vs Redmi Note 7 Pro: Which One Is the Winner?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 20:11:00 +0530

On this episode deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Realme 3 Pro. We compare the smartphone to the Redmi Note 7 Pro and help you decide which is the best phone under Rs. 15,000 in India.

Realme 3 Pro (0:30)

Build and design
Why not USB Type-C
Fingerprint scanner and face unlock
Software
Battery life
Performance
Camera performance
Realme 3 Pro vs Redmi Note 7 Pro

Which Is the Best Budget TV to Buy in India Right Now?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 18 Apr 2019 12:59:00 +0530

In the market for an affordable TV? We picked the best affordable TVs that you can buy in India and spoke at length about our selection process and why our top picks are worth buying. Our audio and TV expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Pranay Parab for this episode.

The best budget TVs (0:30)

How much should you spend to get a good budget TV
Which features you can expect from budget TVs
Which features won’t be available in this price range
Should you get a smart TV?
- The Best Media Streaming Devices for Your TV
How we selected our top picks
- Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Television in 2019
- Why It’s a Bad Idea to Buy TVs Without Seeing Them in Person
The best budget TVs in India
The competition

Best Phones Under 10000 in India (April 2019)

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 11:55:00 +0530

On this episode we discuss the best phones under Rs. 10,000 in India as Android expert Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab.

Best phones under Rs. 10,000 (0:30)

The Best Budget Bluetooth Headphones in India

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 4 Apr 2019 20:16:00 +0530

On this episode we discuss the best affordable Bluetooth earphones in India. Our audio expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Pranay Parab.

The best budget Bluetooth headphones

What to expect from Bluetooth earphones
Jabra Elite 25e
JBL E45BT
OnePlus Bullets Wireless
How we selected these
Thoughts on codecs and how they affect audio quality

Can Redmi Go Be the Affordable Smartphone That Kills Feature Phones?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 26 Mar 2019 17:56:00 +0530

Redmi Go is a sub-Rs. 5,000 smartphone that may tempt feature phone users to make the step up to smartphones. Reviews editor Jamshed Avari and games editor Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to talk about this smartphone.

Redmi Go (0:30)

Pricing
Specifications
Design
Build quality
Camera performance
Display
Gaming performance
Competition

Do Redmi Note 7 Pro, Redmi Note 7, Mi Soundbar Redefine Their Price Segments?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 17:46:00 +0530

We discuss the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, Redmi Note 7 Pro, and the Mi Soundbar on this episode. Reviewers Aditya Shenoy, Ali Pardiwala, and Roydon Cerejo join host Pranay Parab

Redmi Note 7 Pro (0:30)

Redmi Note 7 Pro review
Build and design
Performance
Heating issues
Display
Battery life
Camera performance

Redmi Note 7 (10:17)

How to Remove Ads From Xiaomi Phones Running MIUI 9
Overview
In-depth camera performance analysis
Battery life
Software

Mi Soundbar (27:22)

Mi Soundbar review
Design and set up
Sound quality for movies
Big weaknesses
Thoughts on pricing
Sound quality for music

Do Pop-Up Selfie Cameras Justify Prices of Oppo F11 Pro, Vivo V15 Pro?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 14:47:00 +0530

We discuss the Oppo F11 Pro and the Vivo V15 Pro on this episode. Reviewer Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to discuss the two phones.

Oppo F11 Pro (0:30)

Pricing
Specifications
The pop-up selfie camera
Similarities with Vivo V15 Pro
The competition
Performance
Design and build quality
Final thoughts and verdict

Are Realme 3 and Samsung Galaxy M30 Among the Best Affordable Android Phones in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Mon, 4 Mar 2019 17:50:00 +0530

We share our thoughts on the Realme 3, and our first impressions and thoughts on the cameras of the Samsung Galaxy M30. Reviewers Aditya Shenoy and Roydon Cerejo join host Pranay Parab.

Realme 3 (0:30)

Build and design
Performance
Camera performance
Cons of this phone
Battery life
Thoughts on pricing
Competition

Samsung Galaxy M30 (17:03)

Design
Display
Camera performance
Battery life
Samsung’s strategy for budget phones

Is Samsung Galaxy S10+ the Best Android Flagship Overall?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 22:34:00 +0530

We discuss the Samsung Galaxy S10+, Galaxy Buds, and Spotify's India launch. Reviewers Aditya Shenoy and Ali Pardiwala join host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Samsung Galaxy S10+ (0:30)

Build
Design
Pricing
Camera
Performance
Battery Life
Should you buy it?

Samsung Galaxy Buds (15:50)

Audio quality
Comfort
Battery life
Aggressive pricing

Spotify India launch (23:39)

Launch
Features
Catalogue
Worth paying for?

With Galaxy Fold, Has Samsung Kicked Off a Revolution in Smartphone Tech?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 11:00:00 +0530

We discuss everything Samsung announced at the Galaxy Unpacked 2019 event — S10, S10+, S10e, Galaxy Fold, Watch Active, Buds, and more. Editor-in-chief Kunal Dua joins host Pranay Parab.

Samsung Galaxy Fold and more (0:30)

Technological innovations
Thoughts on folding display
What it means for the smartphone industry
S10 and S10+
- First impressions
- Thoughts on pricing
- Reverse wireless charging
- Thoughts on Samsung’s position in the market
S10e
- Form factor
- What it lacks compared to S10
- Pricing
- Who should consider this one
Galaxy Watch Active
- Interesting features
- Pricing
- Which smartwatches it competes against
Galaxy Buds
- Thoughts on pricing
- Competition
- Why we are looking forward to trying it

Will MWC 2019 Introduce Port-Less Phones to the World?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 13 Feb 2019 16:19:00 +0530

An early preview of MWC 2019, where we talk about everything that has leaked so far and what to expect from one of the biggest events in tech. Deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab.

An early MWC 2019 preview

Foldable phones
The state of 5G and expected demos
OnePlus’ expected demos
Nokia 9 Pureview launch?
Samsung’s event ahead of MWC
Oppo and Vivo’s product briefing
What Xiaomi will be up to
The dream of a phone with no ports
Wireless charging
Hololens 2?

Will Jio GigaFiber Have the Same Impact That Jio 4G Did?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 6 Feb 2019 20:27:00 +0530

Everything you need to know about Jio GigaFiber, courtesy people on our team who are using the service. Hindi editor Sandeep Kumar Sinha joins host Pranay Parab.

Everything you need to know about Jio GigaFiber

How to get a connection
Plans and pricing
The current trial period
Speeds on Jio GigaFiber
The GigaHub router
Why progress on GigaFiber is slow
What to expect once the service is launched

Are Samsung Galaxy M10, M20 Better Than Budget Redmi, Realme Phones?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 20:27:00 +0530

Samsung has launched the Galaxy M10 and Galaxy M20 to take on budget phones from Xiaomi, Realme, and Asus. Are these worth buying? Reviewers Jamshed Avari and Ali Pardiwala join host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Samsung Galaxy M10 (0:30)

Design
Build quality
Specifications
Performance
Software
Camera
Battery Life
Value for money

Samsung Galaxy M20 (10:36)

Pricing vs competition
Software
Camera and build quality
Display
Battery life
Performance
Specifications
Should you buy Galaxy M20?

Which Are the Best Headphones Under Rs. 1,000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 19:00:00 +0530

Realme Buds, Mi Earphones, and many more decent headphones are available at less than Rs. 1,000. Which one of these should you buy? Our audio expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Realme Buds review (0:30)

Pricing
Availability
Sound quality
Best features
Weaknesses
Should you buy these?

Best headphones under Rs. 1,000 (9:20)

What you can expect in this price segment
What you shouldn’t expect
Our top three picks
The competitors

What WhatsApp Absolutely Needs to Do in 2019

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 15:11:00 +0530

WhatsApp has several new features but it still is lacking a bunch of very useful features. Reviewers Aditya Shenoy and Ali Pardiwala join host Pranay Parab to discuss.

8K TVs, Insane Soundbars, Modular Laptops: Who Won CES 2019?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 19:02:00 +0530

CES 2019 has come and gone and with it have several exciting announcements. Our in-house audio and TV enthusiast Ali Pardiwala joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the best technologies that were showcased at CES 2019.

CES 2019 (0:30)

Folding phone
8K TVs
Soundbars
Other audio products
Laptops
Our top picks

Xiaomi TVs, Soundbar

Mi TV 4X Pro
Mi TV 4A Pro
Taking the smarts out of smart TVs would make them more expensive
Mi Soundbar

What to Expect From CES 2019

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 3 Jan 2019 19:02:00 +0530

We look at the most promising leaks and rumours around CES 2019. Reviews editor Jamshed Avari and deputy reviews editor Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to talk 8K TVs, 5G, phones, and other things we can expect from CES 2019.

New phones — XA 3, XA 3 Ultra, Moto Z4
5G
AMD gaming
Foldable phones
Intel discrete GPU, 10-core CPU
Nvidia RTX cards, new laptops
VR/AR announcements
8K TVs
Alexa vs Google Assistant vs Bixby
Galaxy Home speaker
Smart display/ assistant/ etc
Razer keyboard mouse for Xbox

Which Was the Best Budget Smartphone of 2018?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 02:34:00 +0530

2018 has come and gone and left us with several amazing budget smartphones. Reviewer Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the best of these affordable smartphones.

Best budget smartphones of 2018

Mi A2
Realme U1
Nokia 5.1 Plus
Realme 1
ZenFone Max Pro M1
Redmi 6A

Is ZenFone Max M2 the Best Phone Under Rs. 10,000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 13:01:00 +0530

ZenFone Max M2 is a serious contender for the title of the best phone under Rs. 10,000. Reviews editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab to talk about this phone.

ZenFone Max M2 (0:30)

Build and design
Camera
Software
Battery Life
Performance
Competition

Is ZenFone Max Pro M2 the Ultimate Redmi Note 6 Pro Killer?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 00:09:00 +0530

Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 is here and it wants to be the best budget smartphone out there. Will it succeed? Reviewer Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Asus ZenFone Max Pro M2 (0:30)

Performance
Brand name confusion
Design
Build quality
Gaming performance
Camera
Battery life
Competition

Huawei Mate 20 Pro: The Best Android Phone of 2018?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 6 Dec 2018 15:03:00 +0530

The Mate 20 Pro is one of the best Android phones out there, and Asus ROG Phone wants to be the best gaming phone in the market. Reviewers Roydon Cerejo and Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to talk about these phones.

Mate 20 Pro (0:30)

Processor power
Camera performance
Thoughts on photos vs Pixel 3
Pricing and value
Design and build quality
The cons
Final thoughts

ROG Phone (16:22)

Design
ROG Gaming UI
Accessories
Marketing
Performance
Gaming performance
Camera
Battery life

Is Realme U1 Essentially Redmi Note 6 Pro on Steroids?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 14:00:00 +0530

The Realme U1 packs impressive hardware at an excellent price, but is the experience good enough to trump stiff competition from Zenfone Max Pro M1 and Redmi Note 6 Pro? Deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Realme U1 (0:12)

Hardware and specifications
Build and design
Camera
Performance
Marketing tactics
Competition
Pricing and availability

Can Redmi Note 6 Pro Beat Zenfone Max Pro M1, Nokia 6.1 Plus?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 15:00:00 +0530

Redmi Note 6 Pro has big boots to fill and tough competition to stave off. Can it manage to succeed in India? Reviewer Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Redmi Note 6 Pro (0:25)

Design
Build quality
Display
Battery life
Performance
Software
Competition

Is Google Pixel’s Night Sight the Future of Low-Light Photography?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 22:13:00 +0530

The Google Pixel line of phones just got a new feature called Night Sight, which dramatically improves low-light photos. Will this change the way smartphones capture low-light photos?

Night Sight on Google Pixel (0:10)

What is Night Sight?
How it changes low light photography
Is this magic or physics?
When will other phones get this feature?
What we want from Night Sight
How this could reinvent smartphone photography

Is Samsung Galaxy J2 Core a Budget Winner That Trumps Redmi 6A?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 9 Nov 2018 16:56:00 +0530

The J2 Core can provide tough competition in the budget Android phone segment and reviewer Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to discuss whether it's a worthy challenger.

Samsung Galaxy J2 Core (0:25)

Android Oreo Go Edition vs regular Android
The app ecosystem
Should you buy Redmi 6A over this?
8GB internal storage a problem?
Gaming performance
Cameras
A creepy feature that everyone should know about
Pricing and features
Final thoughts

Has OnePlus 6T Removed the Best Features of the OnePlus 6?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 21:56:00 +0530

We discuss whether the OnePlus 6T is worth buying and if its trade-offs are easy to live with. Reviews editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab.

OnePlus 6T (0:25)

Build and design
Notch
Trade-offs
Headphone jack
Comparison with OnePlus 6
USB Type-C accessories
Competition from Poco F1 and Zenfone 5Z
Software polish
Pricing

Which Is the Best Phone to Buy During Flipkart, Amazon Sales?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 19:47:00 +0530

Deals expert and community manager Harpreet Singh joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the best deals from the ongoing Flipkart and Amazon sales.

Flipkart (0:20)

Zenfone Max Pro M1
iPhone XS
Vu 4K TV
Xbox One S
Fitbit Charge 2

Amazon (18:02)

iPhone X
Samsung Galaxy A8+
Honor Play
MacBook Air
LG 4K TV

Is Realme C1 the Best Phone Under Rs. 10,000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 18 Oct 2018 19:47:00 +0530

We discuss the Realme C1, which is going toe to toe with the Xiaomi Redmi 6A for the budget smartphone market in India. This is followed by our final thoughts on the Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL as Deputy Reviews Editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab.

Realme C1 (1:03)

Specifications
Performance
Battery life
Cameras
Display
Comparison with Redmi 6A
Comparison with Zenfone Lite L1
Price in India

Google Pixel 3 (15:22)

Thoughts on the camera
Comparison with flagship phone cameras
Pricing strategy
- India price
Competition

Can Google Pixel 3 Succeed in India Without Massive Discounts?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 01:47:00 +0530

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL have been launched and are coming to India soon. Android expert Aditya Shenoy and games editor Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to talk about the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3XL.

Google Pixel 3 (0:50)

Design
Notch
Features missing in the design
Face Unlock
Pixel 3 vs 3 XL
India pricing of the Pixel 3 and 3 XL
Camera
Software and AI
The best Pixel phone to buy in India

Is Nokia 5.1 Plus Better Than Zenfone Max Pro M1, Redmi 6 Pro, Realme 1?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 5 Oct 2018 00:51:00 +0530

Nokia 5.1 Plus is a budget Android One smartphone that we just finished reviewing. Our reviewers Aditya Shenoy and Roydon Cerejo join host Pranay Parab to talk about it.

Nokia 5.1 Plus (0:50)

Build and design
USB Type-C port
Notch on the display
Pricing
Android One program
Software updates on this phone
Performance
Gaming performance
Battery life
Competition

Can Motorola One Power Dethrone Redmi Note 5 Pro, Redmi 6 Pro?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 00:34:00 +0530

We talk about the Redmi 6 Pro and the Motorola One Power, and try to decide if these two smartphones are worth buying. Android experts Aditya Shenoy and Roydon Cerejo join host Pranay Parab.

Redmi 6 Pro (1:08)

Design and build quality
Underpowered hardware
Pricing and variants
Flash sales
Redmi 6 Pro vs Realme 1 vs Zenfone Max Pro M1
Pros of the Redmi 6 Pro
The long list of cons

Motorola One Power (11:22)

Specifications
The history of the Motorola brand
Design and build quality
Android One program
Motorola One Power vs Nokia 6.1 Plus
Camera
Battery life

Are Redmi 6A and Redmi 6 the Best Budget Smartphones in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 18 Sep 2018 18:00:00 +0530

Xiaomi’s two new budget smartphones look great on paper, but do they perform? Reviewers Aditya Shenoy and Jamshed Avari join host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Redmi 6 and Redmi 6A (0:40)

Build and design
Specs
Enough RAM and storage on both phones?
Camera
Battery life
Competition
Flash sales
Should you buy Redmi 6A or Redmi 6?

Will India Ever Get New iPhones at Reasonable Prices?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 23:00:00 +0530

Apple has launched iPhone XS, XS Max, and iPhone XR in India at astronomical prices, along with the Apple Watch Series 4. Editor in chief Kunal Dua joins host Pranay Parab to discuss the company's India strategy and talk about the new gadgets.

Our predictions (0:10)

What we got wrong
What we guessed correctly

iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR (8:50)

New chips
Camera
Focal length adjust
Smart post processing (Pixel inspired?)
Same 5W charger
No lightning to 3.5mm dongle
No iCloud changes
Storage variants
No AirPods changes
No AirPower
Which variants have dual SIM
Pricing
India pricing
Will we switch entirely to eSIM next year?
iPhone XR
- Cheaper
- Almost no bezel or chin on LCD display
- Big screen
- Colours (reminds of iPhone 5c)
- Will this variant stick around for long?
Discontinued iPhones
- X, SE, 6S, 6S Plus apparently gone
- What does this mean for India?
- Will they stop making SE, etc in India?
- Revised India pricing

Apple Watch Series 4 (39:15)

Thinner, more screen space
Good use of complications
Single rear optical sensor for heart rate
ECG
No Series 1- style variant this year
India pricing

New iPhones May Well Be Amazing, but Will We See a New Strategy in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Sat, 8 Sep 2018 09:57:00 +0530

Editor in chief Kunal Dua joins host Pranay Parab to discuss all things Apple. We talk about the September 12 iPhone event and what we expect from it, which includes a long discussion on Apple's strategy for India.

Sponsor: Goalwise

Apple Music, iCloud, and Software (1:56)

Predicting the introduction
Services segment revenue
New Apple Music features
iCloud storage conundrum
- Will Apple increase free storage?
WWDC updates

Apple Watch Series 4 (10:04)

The big leak via 9to5Mac
The new watch face
The Siri watch face
What we expect from a software standpoint
Hardware and design predictions

New iPhones (20:27)

Three new iPhones
“Cheaper iPhone”
What to expect from the three iPhones
Dual-SIM support?
Will we see a coherent India strategy?
- Premium product versus discounts
- EMIs
- Will Apple make a good iPhone in India?
- Apple software stagnant in India
- What they can do to fix this

Is Realme 2 Really a Better Realme 1 at the Same Price?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 17:57:00 +0530

Oppo Realme 2 costs the same as the Realme 1, and has been launched just a few months after the latter. So why does Oppo have two similar phones at the same price point? Reviewer Shobhit Varma joins host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Sponsor: Goalwise (0:54)

Oppo Realme 2 (1:58)

Price in India
Display
The notch
Build quality
Is Realme 2 really an upgrade over Realme 1?
The positives of Realme 2
The areas where Realme 2 falls short
Thoughts on ColorOS
Should you buy Realme 2?

Xiaomi Poco F1 Looks Great Value for the Price, but Is There a Catch?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 22:34:00 +0530

We discuss the Xiaomi Poco F1 and the Nokia 6.1 Plus, two smartphones that have the potential to shake up the market in India. Reviewers Aditya Shenoy and Shobhit Varma join host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Sponsor: Goalwise

Xiaomi Poco F1 (2:00)

Flagship killer?
What’s the catch?
How does Poco F1 have impressive hardware at a low price?
Flash sales
Variants and pricing
Is Xiaomi cannibalising the Mi A2?

Nokia 6.1 Plus and Nokia 5.1 Plus (20:39)

Build quality
Stock Android
Best Nokia Android phones?
Comparison against the Mi A2
Does the Poco F1 shake up the market?

Will Jio Phone 2 Help WhatsApp, YouTube Reach the Next Billion Users in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 21:13:00 +0530

We discuss whether WhatsApp and YouTube will be the killer apps that propel Jio Phone and KaiOS into a market share as large as that of Android. Jio expert Ravi Sharma joins host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Sponsor: Goalwise

WhatsApp on Jio Phone (2:10)

WhatsApp and YouTube on Jio Phone: Hands-On Impressions
Features missing from this app
Why these features are missing
Overall WhatsApp experience
WhatsApp Rollout for Jio Phone Delayed, to Start in Batches

YouTube on Jio Phone (15:00)

YouTube video viewing controls and experience
Can you download videos?
Sharing videos offline?

Jio Phone 2 (24:49)

Jio Phone 2 release date
Apps available on launch day
Jio Phone 2 vs Jio Phone

Can Xiaomi Mi A2 Outshine Redmi Note 5 Pro, Nokia 7 Plus?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 8 Aug 2018 18:49:00 +0530

Xiaomi Mi A2 is the company's second attempt at making an Android One smartphone. Reviewer Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to talk about this smartphone.

The Android One program (0:57)

How Google initially pitched this
What Android One is today
Xiaomi’s Android One attempt
MIUI phones vs Xiaomi’s stock Android phone

The issues with Xiaomi Mi A1 (5:34)

Navigation
Proximity sensor
Buggy updates

Xiaomi Mi A2 (9:34)

Battery life
Camera
Performance
Specifications
Verdict

Xiaomi’s branding problem (20:26)

Redmi vs Mi phones
Xiaomi in the premium segment
Budget segment performance
Xiaomi’s most popular smartphones

Does Honor 9N Have What It Takes to Beat Redmi Note 5 Pro, Realme 1?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 2 Aug 2018 21:16:00 +0530

Honor 9N is the latest entry into the competitive budget Android phone market and reviewer Shobhit Varma joins host Pranay Parab to talk about this smartphone, with a mention of BlackBerry Evolve X and Evolve at the end of this episode.

Honor 9N (1:50)

Honor 9N design
- Display
- Colours
- Huawei and Honor’s design identity
- Honor 9 Lite pictures
- Earpiece
Honor 9N performance
- Processor
- Day-to-day usage
- What Honor can do to fix this
EMUI and software features
- Nifty addons
- Bloat
Camera
Battery life

BlackBerry Evolve X, Evolve (24:40)

Who owns BlackBerry now?
First impressions
The competition

Can Huawei Nova 3 Beat OnePlus 6 in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 22:23:00 +0530

We talk about the Huawei Nova 3, which competes against the OnePlus 6 in India. Reviewers Roydon Cerejo and Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab on this episode.

Huawei Nova 3 (1:00)

Cameras
Design
Hardware
Comparison with OnePlus 6
Other features
Should you buy the Nova 3?

Vivo Nex, Oppo Find X: Revolutionary Phones or Overpriced Prototypes?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 13:30:00 +0530

We talk about two smartphones on the bleeding edge of technology: Vivo Nex and Oppo Find X as reviewers Ankit Chawla and Shobhit Varma join host Pranay Parab.

Pricing and market positioning (1:30)

Vivo Nex price
Oppo Find X price
Are these phones ready to take on iPhone, Pixel, and Galaxy flagships?

The compromises for “all-screen” tech (5:00)

Vivo X21: Future of Smartphones or Overpriced Gimmick?
Call quality
Ergonomics
Headphone jack
Pop-up camera

Software (13:40)

Color OS and Funtouch OS
The problems with custom Android versions
Updates?
The lack of polish in UI

Should you pay flagship prices for prototypes? (18:45)

In-display fingerprint scanner
Camera quality
Not waterproof

The pop-up camera (20:45)

Dust and water resistance?
Will it survive a drop or two?

Should Vivo launch a cheaper variant? (25:08)

The Vivo Nex A
Will it come to India?
Vivo and Oppo’s product lineup in India

Will Amazon Prime Day 2018 Be Bigger Than Amazon's Diwali Sale?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 21:51:00 +0530

Gadgets 360's deals expert Harpreet Singh joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the discounts you can expect during the Amazon Prime Day 2018 sale, which starts July 16.

What to expect from Amazon Prime Day (1:30)

The products we think will go on sale
Delivery timelines
Digital content that becomes available

Does Amazon Prime Day sale offer the best deals? (7:10)

How to find the best deals
The biggest deal on offer
Comparison with Diwali sale discounts

What to watch out for and what to be wary of (12:05)

Common precautions to take
Common scams you can easily detect

How Amazon is preparing for Prime Day 2018 (19:45)

The focus on deliveries
Customer support

Will Asus Zenfone 5Z Force OnePlus to Slash the Price of OnePlus 6?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 17:21:00 +0530

This episode centres around Asus Zenfone 5Z, Jio Phone 2, and Jio’s GigaFiber wired Internet service. Games editor Rishi Alwani and reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Jio Phone 2 (1:00)

Jio GigaFiber (19:41)

Jio GigaFiber announced
What we know about the service so far
How Jio plans to tackle ISP monopoly at the building level
The lack of details on pricing
Will GigaFiber disrupt broadband in India

Asus Zenfone 5Z (25:34)

How it stacks up against the OnePlus 6
Pricing and specifications
The “AI” features of the Zenfone 5Z
- Privacy concerns
- Battery charging features
- AI in camera
Camera comparison with OnePlus 6
Display and the lack of always-on
Asus’ aggressive pricing
- Is the Zenfone 5Z a flagship?
Performance
Storage variants
Contents of the box
The cons of the smartphone
- Android update schedule
- Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1 review
- Availability
Flipkart exclusivity

After Prepaid, Is the Jio Effect Spreading to Postpaid?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 17:44:00 +0530

Games editor Rishi Alwani joins host Pranay Parab to talk about Reliance Jio's Rs. 199 postpaid plan and Vodafone's Rs. 299 plan that offer over 20GB of data and might herald a crash in postpaid mobile data prices.

Postpaid mobile data plans in India

Reliance Jio’s 199 plan (2:45)
Vodafone’s 299 plan (5:20)
Mobile data speeds in India (10:00)
What to look forward to (17:16)

Is Redmi Y2 the Best Selfie Smartphone Under Rs. 10,000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 15:40:00 +0530

On this episode reviewer Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the Xiaomi Redmi Y2, a selfie-focused smartphone.

Xiaomi Redmi Y2 (1:00)

What’s special about this phone?
- Xiaomi’s product roadmap
- Y2 variants and pricing
- Redmi Y1 vs Y2
- Where to buy this
- Why flash sales?
Performance (4:32)
- Benchmark scores
- Day-to-day use
- Gaming
- Software
  - MIUI vs stock Android
  - Updates
  - Advantages of MIUI
Design and build quality (8:48)
- Plastic feel
- Headphone jack
- IR blaster
- Looks
- Display quality
Selfie camera (10:38)
- Xiaomi competing with Oppo
- The selfie camera
- Diffused selfie flash
- Cameras and quality of photographs
The competition (14:37)
- Oppo Realme 1
- Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1
- Xiaomi’s own competing phones
Battery life (19:03)
- Specs vs optimisation

Is Moto G6 Better Than Realme 1, Redmi Note 5 Pro?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 15:00:00 +0530

Reviewer Shobhit Varma joins host Pranay Parab to talk about three smartphones under Rs. 15,000 — Oppo Realme 1, Moto G6, and Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro — to help you decide which one to buy.

Introduction (1:00)

Why these phones are being compared
The Moto brand
Too many smartphones launched?

Moto G6 (7:00)

Design
Performance
Comparison with Realme 1 and Redmi Note 5 Pro

Camera (14:00)

Front camera performance
Rear camera performance
Winner

Value for money (15:20)

Best value overall

Availability (21:00)

Flash sales vs open sale
Online vs offline
Which one is easily available?

Battery life and conclusion (25:10)

Best battery life
Overall best performance
Our pick

Will iOS 12 Boost Affordable iPhones in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 5 Jun 2018 17:53:00 +0530

Games editor Rishi Alwani and editor in chief Kunal Dua join host Pranay Parab to talk about the WWDC 2018 keynote, iOS 12, macOS 10.14 Mojave, watchOS 5, and to some extent tvOS 12 as well.

iOS 12 (0:41)

ARKit 2
- Augmented reality games
- Shared experiences
- Persistent elements
iOS 12 performance on older iPhones
- iPhone 6 and iPhone SE
- Affordable iPhone sales in India
- Features old iPhones will not get
Siri Suggestions and Shortcuts
SMS OTP autofill
Animoji
iPad gestures
Group FaceTime
ScreenTime

macOS 10.14 Mojave (26:00)

Dark Mode
Mac App Store
Safari and privacy
iOS apps coming to macOS
- Easier for developers to bring iOS apps to Mac
- When can we see more of these apps
- Voice Memos, Stocks, and Apple News

watchOS (37:45)

Workouts app
- Hiking and yoga
- Automatic workout detection
- New features for runners
- Fitness focus
Walkie Talkie
Interactive notifications
Background audio

Vivo X21: Future of Smartphones or Overpriced Gimmick?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 31 May 2018 14:30:00 +0530

Vivo X21 comes with a fingerprint sensor under the display, which makes it unique in the smartphone market. Reviewer Aditya Shenoy joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the smartphone and how it fares against the likes of the OnePlus 6 and the iPhone X.

Vivo X21

Pricing (2:00)
- OnePlus 6 Face Unlock Seen to Be Fooled by Photo in New Video, OnePlus Responds
Is Vivo shipping beta hardware? (9:00)
- In-display fingerprint sensor
Notch and other design elements (18:45)
Should you buy the Vivo X21? (24:13)

Is the OnePlus 6 an iPhone X Killer at a Half the Price?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Mon, 21 May 2018 07:00:00 +0530

Is OnePlus 6 better than iPhone X, Pixel 2, and Samsung Galaxy S9?

OnePlus 6 markets itself as a phone that's better than the iPhone X, Google Pixel 2, and Samsung Galaxy S9. Reviews editor Jamshed Avari and games editor Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to discuss whether OnePlus' claims are true.

Pricing and variants (1:00)
Design and the notch (3:35)
Performance (9:24)
- Gaming performance
Camera (16:45)
- Low-light performance
- Video shooting
Battery life (20:40)
Should you buy OnePlus 6? (21:34)

Is Oppo Realme 1 Better Than Redmi Note 5 Pro, Zenfone Max Pro M1?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 17 May 2018 12:36:00 +0530

The Oppo Realme 1 is a budget smartphone that takes on the best in the segment — Zenfone Max Pro M1 and Redmi Note 5 Pro. Reviewer Shobhit Varma joins host Pranay Parab to talk about this smartphone.

The Realme brand and Oppo’s marketing (1:00)

Oppo’s parent company
Bid to take on Xiaomi
Redmi vs Realme
Underhanded marketing tactics?

Oppo Realme 1 (3:07)

Striking design
Online exclusivity a problem?
Specs and performance
How it compares against Zenfone Max Pro M1, Redmi Note 5 Pro
Which variant of the Realme 1 should people be buying?
Our thoughts on the camera

Color OS vs MIUI vs stock Android (17:23)

What people miss out on when they go with Color OS
What’s good about this variant of Android
Looks a lot like iOS?

Which Is the Best Feature of Android P?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 9 May 2018 02:44:00 +0530

Android P is full of exciting new features but what’s the true price you’re paying? Games editor Rishi Alwani and reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to discuss.

What’s new in Android P (1:19)

Adaptive battery
Adaptive brightness
App actions and Slices
Android Dashboard
- How this changes our reviews
Portrait mode
Gestures
- Comparison with iPhone X gestures
- How Android P gestures could differ
- The Google Search bar

Android P’s update schedule (18:20)

Android distribution
How the update situation could improve
Android Chat

Hey Google, what about our privacy? (20:12)

Wow-fest
Google’s lack of focus on privacy
How they could have highlighted this
The parts where your privacy is compromised for new features
- Google Assistant
- Google Home
- Android P
Google Photos

Is Huawei P20 Pro the Android World’s iPhone X?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 2 May 2018 17:16:00 +0530

Is Huawei P20 Pro the Android World’s iPhone X?

On this episode we discuss the Huawei P20 Pro, which has cameras good enough to take on the iPhone X and the Google Pixel 2. Reviewer Aditya Shenoy and games editor Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab.

Huawei P20 Pro

The three rear cameras (1:14)
The competition (7:25)
EMUI vs stock Android (9:53)
Huawei’s hardware design choices (10:57)
Huawei’s branding issues (17:00)
- Is Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1 a Redmi Note 5 Pro Killer?

Is Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 a Redmi Note 5 Pro Killer?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 15:30:00 +0530

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 is a great alternative to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro, but which of the two is better? Reviews editor Jamshed Avari joins host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1

Specs and pricing (1:30)
Competition with Xiaomi (3:30)
- MIUI vs stock Android
- ZenUI vs stock Android
Asus’ smartphone pricing strategy (10:05)
The cons of Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 (12:20)
Asus’ make in India aspirations (16:58)
The Flipkart tie-up (17:56)

Do Android Phones Need to Dial It Down a Notch?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 09:30:00 +0530

Android phones are rushing to adopt the iPhone X ‘notch’ at the top of the screen, but do they need to do this? Is it justified to copy a hardware feature that’s a stop-gap or a compromise in order to accommodate certain other features? Android enthusiasts Aditya Shenoy and Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Why copy the notch (1:25)

User demand?
Production issues
iPhone X notch experience
Android notch experience
Razer notch

Android P notch support (5:23)

How the notch hinders Android Oreo
People using devices for longer
iPhone battery replacements

The notch as a ‘stop gap’ (9:45)

The future of the all-screen design
Wireless charging
Ports or lack thereof
What about the front camera

Will Pixel 3 feature a notch? (16:14)

Headphone jack
Android P notch support
What the notch could add to the Pixel lineup
How the notch changed iOS

Orbital Podcast Listeners’ Special: Your Smartphone Buying Queries Answered

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 09:30:00 +0530

Gadgets 360 experts answer all your queries related to buying smartphones. Reviewer Aditya Shenoy and video head Gagan Gupta join host Pranay Parab.

Best phone under Rs. 10,000 (1:00)
Oppo F7 vs Vivo V9 (2:35)
Redmi 5 3GB vs Redmi Note 5 (5:00)
- Xiaomi’s glut of budget smartphones
- Redmi 5 vs Redmi Note 5 comparison video
Redmi Note 5 Pro alternative (7:30)
How are flagship phones better than Redmi Note 5 Pro, OnePlus 5T? (9:20)
iPhone X vs Samsung Galaxy S9 (13:16)
- Samsung Galaxy S9 vs iPhone X vs Google Pixel 2
Rapid-fire round (16:42)
- Google Pixel 2XL vs Samsung Galaxy S9+
- Honor 9 Lite vs Honor 7x
- Mi A1 vs Redmi Note 5 Pro
- Best phone with 18:9 display ratio
- Camera: Google Pixel 2XL vs Huawei P20 Pro
- Redmi Note 5 Pro vs Asus Zenfone 5
- Budget phone with 6-inch full-view display
- Best phone under Rs. 20,000
- Smartphone with 5000mAh battery at Rs. 7,000

Can Nokia 6 (2018) Win Against Redmi Note 5 Pro, Moto G5S Plus?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 4 Apr 2018 18:03:00 +0530

We discuss the three new phones HMD Global just launched under the Nokia brand name. The phones are Nokia 6 (2018), Nokia 7 Plus, and Nokia 8 Sirocco. Reviews editor Jamshed Avari and games editor Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab.

Nokia 6 (2018) (0:30)

Availability
Specs and pricing
Last year’s Nokia 6
Highlight features of the 2018 variant
The competition

Nokia 7 Plus (10:15)

The mid-range smartphone market
Competition from Oppo and Vivo
Nokia 7 Plus pricing
Specifications
Build quality

Nokia 8 Sirocco (17:47)

Pricing
Comparison with Nokia 8
Samsung Galaxy S8 and iPhone 8 pricing

Do Oppo F7 and Vivo V9 Show Us What to Expect From OP6?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 17:15:00 +0530

We talk about the Oppo F7 and Vivo V9, two mid-range Android phones that are generating a lot of interest, and look at what these phones tell us about the upcoming OnePlus 6. Reviewers Aditya Shenoy and Roydon Cerejo join host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Oppo F7 and Vivo V9 (0:30)

The timing of the launches
The notch
Pricing
Specifications
The sub-Rs. 30,000 segment for smartphones
Design and build quality
Software
Face Unlock vs Face ID

OnePlus 6 (14:10)

The Verge’s interview with Carl Pei
Why Android phones have both notch and chin
What Oppo and Vivo phones tell us about OnePlus products
OP6 rumoured pricing
Features we want from OP6
Competition

Is Redmi 5 Xiaomi’s Most Value-for-Money Smartphone?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 21:49:00 +0530

On this episode we talk about the Xiaomi Redmi 5, which could be the newest budget king in India. Reviews Editor Jamshed Avari and Games Editor Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab.

Xiaomi Redmi 5

Looks and pricing (1:17))
Specs and availability (3:30)
Competition (7:40)
Performance (Gaming review) (15:32)
Battery life and camera (23:38)
MIUI (27:00)

Can Samsung Galaxy S9's Excellent Pricing Push It Ahead of iPhone X, Pixel 2?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 20:53:00 +0530

We used the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ for a week to find out whether it pushes the boundaries in terms of performance or if it’s a conservative upgrade with not much better than the S8. Deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the smartphone.

First impressions (0:40)

Design and build
Iris scanner
Software tweaks
Headphone jack
Bixby

Camera (10:14)

Hardware changes
Performance for photos
Video performance
Super slow-mo videos

Battery life (17:36)

Regular use vs heavy use
S9 vs S9+

Pricing in India (19:20)

Comparison with iPhone X
Pixel 2’s discounts
Samsung’s pricing strategy

Best and worst features (22:22)

Can Xiaomi’s Killer Pricing Shake Up the TV Market in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 7 Mar 2018 20:17:00 +0530

Xiaomi has now launched three TVs in India a rather short span of time and our TV expert Gagan Gupta joins host Pranay Parab to talk about this development. Can the company revolutionise the TV market in India? We discuss that and much more.

Xiaomi’s new TV launches

Is the pricing competitive? (1:28)
The Mi TV 4 with 4K HDR (4:20)
Free content with the TVs (5:58)
The problem with HDR support (7:26)
Availability (8:50)
Do you need a smart TV? (10:30)
Xiaomi’s pricing strategy (13:17)
Does viewing distance matter? (16:21)
Are these TVs future-proof? (19:42)

Were Android One and Android Go the Biggest Winners at MWC 2018?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 18:49:00 +0530

We look back at Mobile World Congress 2018 and talk about the biggest launches and hottest products we spotted at the event. Reviewers Roydon Cerejo and Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to discuss.

All the big announcements at MWC 2018

Nokia, Samsung, Asus, or Moto: Who Will Win MWC 2018?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 14:02:00 +0530

On this episode, we discuss the leaks and rumours around MWC 2018 and look at what you can expect from one of the biggest tech events of the year. Reviewers Roydon Cerejo and Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to talk about launches from Samsung, Nokia, Sony, LG, Asus, and Lenovo.

Samsung (1:24)

Galaxy S9 and S9+
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
DeX 2
Smartwatches
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4

Asus (10:02)

iPhone X lookalike
Asus’ confusing lineup of phones
Android Go phone

Nokia (14:42)

LG (18:33)

K series phones
V30 upgrade
What’s up with G series?

Others (21:20)

Sony XZ series
Huawei Matebook
- Smartwatches
Moto G series phones

With Redmi Note 5 and Mi TV 4, Is the Xiaomi Ecosystem Ready for India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 15:52:00 +0530

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 and the Redmi Note 5 Pro have been launched in India, alongside the Mi TV 4. Members of our reviews team Aditya Shenoy and Roydon Cerejo join host Pranay Parab to talk about these new products.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (0:32)

Hardware
Camera performance
Pricing
Different Xiaomi phones in this price range
How it stacks up against the competition
- Infinix Hot S3

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro (5:38)

The new Qualcomm chip
Performance overview
Its competition
Choice of ports

Xiaomi’s comparisons during the launch event (11:07)

Xiaomi Mi TV 4 (18:56)

Pricing
Why 4K HDR is a big deal
PatchWall software

Will Samsung Galaxy S9 Better the iPhone X?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 8 Feb 2018 20:02:00 +0530

Samsung Galaxy S9 is all set to be launched at MWC 2018 in February. Android enthusiasts Roydon Cerejo and Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to talk about our expectations from the smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy S9 leaked

Rumour roundup
Design (1:00)
Specifications (6:05)
Camera (10:42)
Pricing (14:55)
Competition (22:40)

Can Nokia 3310 4G Break Jio Phone's Stronghold in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 1 Feb 2018 16:52:00 +0530

The Nokia 3310 4G has just been announced in China and with a global launch announcement expected at Mobile World Congress 2018 in the last week of February, feature phone enthusiast and Gadgets 360’s Hindi editor Sandeep Kumar Sinha joins host Pranay Parab to talk about this phone and why it’s a big deal in India.

Nokia 3310 4G (1:33)

Specifications and why this phone matters
- How HMD Global has been viewing India
- Smart 4G phones in India
Comparison with Jio Phone (8:21)
- The biggest weakness of 3310 and Jio Phone
- Nokia’s sales numbers
- Tech aapki zubaan mein
- Jio’s data offer
- Wi-Fi hotspot on Nokia 3310 4G
The pricing and expected launch date (16:48)
- Competition from Xiaomi Redmi 5A and 10.or D
- Is Nokia relying only on nostalgia?

Reliance Jio, Airtel Discounts Look Great, but How Long Will They Last?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 17:20:00 +0530

We discuss Reliance Jio’s leaked Republic Day offer, which offers up to 50 percent more data per day for prepaid customers. Gadgets 360’s telecom expert Ravi Sharma joins host Pranay Parab to talk about how long these discounts are going to keep flowing and whether it makes sense to be on postpaid anymore.

Reliance Jio’s rumoured Republic Day Offer (0:30)
- What the offer features
- Prepaid packs targeted
- Reliance Jio’s price changes in 2017
- What to expect for postpaid
Competition from Vodafone and Airtel (6:00)
- Airtel’s competing packs
- How much the price of voice and data has decreased since 2016
- Other players in the market
- Can we expect prices to fall further?
The caveats of Jio’s constant discounts (10:30)
- Will you have to cancel your plan?
- The downside of being on prepaid
- What about postpaid customers?
When will telecom companies raise prices? (13:20)
- Average revenues per user
- How long we expect discounts to last
- How telcos could try and raise their revenue per user
- Network quality and congestion

Can Honor 9 Lite Dethrone Xiaomi’s Budget Smartphones?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 17:54:00 +0530

On this episode, we talk about the Honor 9 Lite — an aggressively priced budget smartphone made by Chinese manufacturer Huawei. Android experts Aditya Shenoy and Roydon Cerejo join host Pranay Parab to talk about the phone and whether it can take on the competition in this segment.

Build quality (0:47)
The different variants and their pricing (1:40)
All-screen design (4:43)
Quality of the display (6:44)
Other devices in the Honor brand (8:03)
Huawei’s aggressive pricing (10:21)
Emotion UI and Android (12:55)
Performance (16:59)

What Indian Companies Are Doing at CES 2018

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 15:36:00 +0530

What Indian Companies Are Doing at CES 2018

Gadgets 360 attended the 2018 edition of Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, USA. On this episode, deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and host Pranay Parab recap all the major announcements from the expo. Disclosure: Intel and Dell respectively sponsored Roydon and Pranay’s tickets and hotel for the event.

Intel’s announcements (1:25)
Dell’s launches (8:10)
Alexa versus Google (11:49)
All the big Indian announcements at CES 2018 (16:38)
Nvidia GeForce Now (26:00)

The Only Oreo That's Available Everywhere

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 4 Jan 2018 19:28:00 +0530

On this episode of Orbital, reviews editor Jamshed Avari and games editor Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to look at potential smartphone trends of 2018.

Bezel-free design (0:25)

Are phones really bezel-free?
Will we see a truly bezel free phone in 2018?
The compromises phones make for this design choice

Biometrics (2:23)

Security versus convenience
Face ID
In-screen fingerprint scanner

AI (5:50)

Uses of AI in phones
What we will see in the future

Battery life (10:40)

Smartphones didn’t get thinner
Battery technology
Will battery life improve in 2018?

Android Oreo adoption (14:45)

Google needs to fix OS adoption
How it can begin this
Why this is a big issue for Android users

Flagship chipsets (17:24)

What to expect from Qualcomm and competitors

Digital payments (18:38)

UPI v2
Why cash is king in India
Will this change in 2018?

Did Apple Make a Big Mistake by Not Informing People About iPhone Slowdowns?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 28 Dec 2017 14:30:00 +0530

Has Apple Made a Big Mistake by Not Informing People About iPhone Slowdowns?

On this episode of Orbital, reviews editor Jamshed Avari and games editor Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to talk about iPhone slowdows. A new report emerged recently claiming that Apple is indeed slowing down older iPhones with worn out batteries. This turned into a big controversy for one of the world’s biggest smartphone manufacturers.

Apple is slowing down older iPhones with worn out batteries (0:50)

How this was discovered
The heart of the problem
The iPhone 6s shutting down randomly
Which iPhones are affected by slowdowns (3:40)
How Apple handled the situation
How we feel Apple should’ve responded (6:01)
Effect of this on resale value of iPhone (16:24)
Jamshed’s opinion piece on what he wants from laptops
Should you spend more than Rs. 50,000 on phones? (22:30)

Apple Designed a Top-Notch Smartphone

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 19:27:00 +0530

The Most Memorable Phones of 2017

Orbital’s year-ender episode is here, where we look back at the best smartphones and feature phones released in 2017. Phone enthusiasts Roydon Cerejo, Aditya Shenoy, and Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab.

The top trends in 2017 (0:55)

Bezel-free phones
Smart 4G feature phones
Honourable mentions

The most memorable phones of 2017 (9:25)

Xiaomi Redmi 5A (9:44)
ZTE Nubia Z11 mini S (12:24)
Motorola Moto G5S Plus (13:06)
Xiaomi Mi A1 (13:56)
Nokia 8 (16:23)
LG V30+ (19:00)
Google Pixel 2 (20:20)
Samsung Galaxy Note 8, Samsung Galaxy S8, and Samsung Galaxy S8+ (28:43)
iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (32:25)

Is Xiaomi Mi A1 the Best Android Phone Under Rs. 15,000?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 19:54:00 +0530

Xiaomi Mi A1 got a pretty significant price cut recently, but does that make it the best smartphone under Rs. 15,000? Android enthusiasts Aditya Shenoy and Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Stock Android vs MIUI (1:23)

Why stock Android is great
What you lose if you don’t have MIUI
Are fast updates guaranteed?
Why does Mi A1 not have Android Oreo?

What you get when you buy Mi A1 (7:10)

Strengths of the phone
Camera
Performance

The permanent price cut (11:27)

Why the price cut happened so soon
Competing phones

The Android One program (14:30)

How it has failed in the past
Will there be more Android One phones in the future?
Should that impact your purchase decision?

The competition (18:22)

Xiaomi’s muddled product strategy
Phones that compete with this one
- The case for a bezel-free design
- Should you buy budget phones with this kind of a display?
- Micromax Canvas Infinity review

Does Google Sell Android Helmets?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 16:18:00 +0530

Google announced Android Oreo Go, Google Maps' two-wheeler mode, and a bunch of other India-focused features. Android enthusiast Aditya Shenoy and games editor Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to discuss.

Introduction (0:00)

Google Pulls YouTube From Amazon Devices

Google Maps’ two-wheeler mode (1:13)

Our Google Maps wish list
How useful is this two-wheeler mode
Potential pitfalls
The staff member who got lost thanks to Google Maps
Wrong way shortcuts?
Where is Android Wear?

Android Oreo Go (7:42)

Google Go, Files Go, Android Oreo Go launched
The Jio effect
Who this is for
What we like about these announcements
Android Go: The Details Google Didn’t Reveal During the Keynote
Do 'Lite' Android Apps for Entry Level Phones Involve Much Compromise?
Google’s Project Treble
- OnePlus 5T and Its Predecessors Won't Support Project Treble
Our Reliance Jio podcast

Google Assistant coming to Jio Phone (21:31)

Google Assistant Gets Further Optimisations for Indian Users

Google Tez (24:51)

Google Tez Now Has 12 Million Users in India, Gets Bill Payments Feature

Is Xiaomi Redmi 5A Truly 'Desh Ka Smartphone'?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 20:50:00 +0530

We talk about Xiaomi’s most affordable smartphone in India — the Redmi 5A — on this week’s episode as reviews editor Jamshed Avari and games editor Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab.

Xiaomi Redmi 5A

Look and feel (1:30)
Introductory pricing offer (3:20)
Online and offline availability (7:10)
Why Xiaomi launched this phone (8:45)
Our first impressions (11:00)
Xiaomi's India lineup (12:35)
Who should buy Redmi 5A (17:49)

What's Bitcoin and Should You Invest in It?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 17:28:00 +0530

On this episode of Orbital, Bitcoin enthusiasts Kawaljit Singh Bedi and Aqiul Colombowala join host Pranay Parab to talk about the world’s most popular cryptocurrency. Bitcoin has delivered 500 percent returns in 2017 and we answer all your questions about it.

How currencies work (2:10)

Inflation and exchange (5:00)

How Bitcoin works — slightly technical video that does a great job at explaining basic concepts (7:30)

Should You 'Invest' in Bitcoin? (18:25)

How to Buy and Sell Bitcoin in India (19:30)
Mt. Gox and the risk of losing Bitcoin (25:25)
If you had invested $1000 in Bitcoin 7 years ago… (28:20)
Trezor hardware wallet
‘I forgot my PIN’: An epic tale of losing $30,000 in Bitcoin (29:35)

Is Billion Capture+ Good Enough to Take on Redmi Note 4?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 15:26:00 +0530

Flipkart has launched a new smartphone and that means Android enthusiasts Rishi Alwani and Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to talk about it, and whether it stands a chance in a crowded budget smartphone market.

Flipkart Billion Capture+ launched

Why Flipkart launched a phone
The future of Flipkart exclusives
Which phones does it compete against?
Who this is for
Flipkart’s hardware ambitions
Launch offers and discounts
What you should worry about
Will Flipkart go offline?

iPhone X and Pixel 2 XL: All Your Questions Answered

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 09 Nov 2017 19:31:00 +0530

You asked us your questions about the iPhone X and the Google Pixel 2 XL and we used both phones for around a week to answer them. Gagan Gupta and Roydon Cerejo join host Pranay Parab to talk about these two phones.

Why Xiaomi Launched the Redmi Y Series of Smartphones

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 18:35:00 +0530

Xiaomi launched the Redmi Y1 and the Redmi Y1 Lite smartphones in India. We used the Redmi Y1 for a short duration and talk about the phone, and where it stands in the market. Android enthusiasts Roydon Cerejo and Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab for this episode.

Jio Phone and Its New Rivals: Is the True Cost in the Fine Print?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 12:54:00 +0530

The Jio Phone introduced the concept of an 'effective price' of budget phones and its rivals have now shown up. Jio Phone experts Aditya Shenoy and Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to talk about the fine print with each of these phones.

Nokia 8: Feels Like a Nokia

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 19:47:00 +0530

Editorial head Kunal Dua and games editor Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to talk about Nokia 8, which offers a 'bothie' camera and overall reliable performance. We discuss whether you should buy it over the OnePlus 5 or the iPhone 7.

With Mi MIX 2, Is Xiaomi Ready to Take on OnePlus 5?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 10:55:00 +0530

Editorial head Kunal Dua and games editor Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to talk about the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2 - a smartphone with an almost bezel-free design. We discuss how it fares against the OnePlus 5 and whether Xiaomi can succeed in the premium segment.

Is India Ready for Pixel 2, Google's Hardware Ecosystem?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 5 Oct 2017 14:44:00 +0530

Games editor Rishi Alwani and host Pranay Parab are joined by Roydon Cerejo, Gadgets 360’s official presence at the Google event in San Francisco, California, to talk about the event and all the big launches there. This includes Google Pixel 2, Google Pixel 2 XL, Google Home Mini, Google Home Max, Google Pixel Buds, Google Pixelbook, and more.

All Your Jio Phone Questions Answered

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 14:44:00 +0530

Games editor Rishi Alwani and reviews guy Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to talk about Jio Phone. We've been using the Jio Phone for a week and that puts us in a unique position where we can answer all of your burning questions about the smart feature phone. http://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/news/jio-phone-be-ready-to-pay-extra-if-you-return-it-before-3-years-1755545

What iOS 11 Says About the Future of the iPhone and iPad

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 22:10:00 +0530

Games editor Rishi Alwani and friend of the podcast Mikhail Madnani join host Pranay Parab to discuss iOS 11 in-depth. We talk about our favourite features of iOS 11 and the direction in which Apple is taking its operating system for smartphones and tablets.

iPhone X, iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus: Which One Should You Buy?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 15:10:00 +0530

Editor in chief Kunal Dua and Games Editor Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to talk about all of Apple's announcements at the September 12 event. This includes iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, Apple TV 4K and the Apple Watch Series 3.

The Ultimate iPhone 8 Rumour Roundup

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 7 Sep 2017 15:20:00 +0530

Apple enthusiasts Gagan Gupta and Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to talk about all the rumours surrounding the company's September 12 event. That includes speculation around the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone Edition, apart from Apple Watch and Apple TV.

Android Oreo's Best Feature Isn't Even Here Yet

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 20:32:00 +0530

We used Android Oreo for a week to talk about its best features and weaknesses. Android enthusiasts Roydon Cerejo and Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab for this episode.

Galaxy Note 8, Featuring ‘Bothie’ Multitasking

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 15:45:00 +0530

Samsung Galaxy Note 8's launch gave us a great excuse to talk about this smartphone on our weekly podcast - Orbital. Android enthusiasts Aditya Shenoy and Gagan Gupta join host Pranay Parab to talk about Samsung's latest flagship smartphone.

Can Nokia 8 Be the Flagship HMD Global Needs?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 17:00:00 +0530

The Nokia 8 is here and it signals HMD Global’s intentions to step into the flagship smartphone market and we talk about the smartphone’s chances in the Indian market on this episode of Orbital. Joining host Pranay Parab are Android enthusiasts Roydon Cerejo and Aditya Shenoy.

iPhone SE at an Effective Price of Free?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 12:52:00 +0530

On this episode of Orbital, we talk about the iPhone 8 and all other rumours surrounding upcoming iPhone launches. The Apple event for the launch of the iPhone is expected to take place in September and this time we expect more than one iPhone to be launched. To talk about what we expect from the upcoming iPhones and what that means for India, news editor Abhinav Lal and games editor Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab.

Why Does Paytm Want to Take on WhatsApp?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 3 Aug 2017 11:35:00 +0530

Paytm wants to take on WhatsApp with its own messaging service, according to a WSJ report. That could have far-reaching consequences on the Indian apps market. WhatsApp, as we know, has been working on introducing a payments layer to its app in India. Gadgets 360’s editorial head Kunal Dua and games editor Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to discuss what this means for India.

Jio Phone Looks Awesome, but Is There a Catch?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 13:55:00 +0530

While the Jio Phone generated a lot of excitement after the Reliance Jio AGM, not everything may be as rosy as it seems. There still are a lot of unanswered questions around the Jio Phone, which we try to answer on this episode of Orbital podcast. Phone enthusiasts Roydon Cerejo and Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to talk about this.

Can Jio, Nokia Give Feature Phone Sales a Big Boost?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 11:10:00 +0530

While we talk about the smartphone industry quite a lot on this podcast, we don’t mention feature phones nearly as much. We decided to change that on this episode, as games editor Rishi Alwani and podcast deputy Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to see why the feature phone industry continues to remain a big part of people’s lives.

Jio Data Leak, New Jio Plans, JioFiber: The Likely Impact

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 10:30:00 +0530

Reliance Jio may have ushered in some great calling and data plans offered by all telecom operators in India, but the recent data leak shows why every Jio user should worry. Reliance Jio's new mobile data plans, its JioFiber broadband plans, and Airtel's data rollover policy show some good signs for you, the consumer. Gadgets 360's Pranay Parab joins host Aditya Shenoy to discuss.

Amazon Prime Day Sale Tips for the Best Shopping Experience

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 6 Jul 2017 13:45:00 +0530

Amazon Prime Day sale begins on July 10 at 1800 hours IST, and Gadgets 360's online ordering enthusiasts Akhil Arora, Gagan Gupta, and Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to talk about the deals worth looking out for and the ones you can skip on Amazon Prime Day.

How GST Will Affect the Prices of Gadgets, Software in India

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 14:40:00 +0530

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is set to roll out in India on July 1, 2017. Host Pranay Parab speaks with Preeti Khurana, a Chartered Accountant who works with ClearTax to decode the impact of GST on the prices of gadgets, software, and IT services in India.

OnePlus 5: Sometimes You Have to Settle

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 16:00:00 +0530

OnePlus 5 has been launched in India and we tell you everything you need to know about the smartphone. Games Editor Rishi Alwani and Deputy Reviews Editor Roydon Cerejo used the OnePlus 5 for two weeks each and they join host Pranay Parab to talk about the phone.

Nokia 3310 Is Actually Nokia 7

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 14:30:00 +0530

Nokia has launched three new Android phones in India. Phone enthusiasts Rishi Alwani and Pranay Parab join host Aditya Shenoy to talk about these phones and how they stack up against the competition.

I Want a Rose Gold iMac Pro

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 17:30:00 +0530

Apple enthusiasts Rishi Alwani and Kunal Dua join host Pranay Parab to talk about WWDC 2017's keynote. We discuss iOS 11, iMac Pro, iPad Pro 10.5", HomePod, and many other things Apple announced at the event.

Nokia's Unknown Heart May Have 8GB of RAM

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 10:00:00 +0530

Phone enthusiast Aditya Shenoy and games editor Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to talk about Nokia and its future. We talk about the phones it has unveiled, including the 3310, and Android phones Nokia 3, 5, and 6. Then we move to its rumoured flagship Nokia 9, which may compete against the Galaxy S8 and the iPhone 7.

I Still Haven't Signed Up for UPI

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 25 May 2017 11:11:00 +0530

Paytm is going from being just a wallet and an online store to also a payments bank. Gadgets 360's payments expert Gopal Sathe and editorial head Kunal Dua join host to discuss how this affects you.

Android O Wasn’t the Star of Google I/O 2017 and That’s Just Fine

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 18 May 2017 04:45:00 +0530

Google I/O 2017's keynote was a big indicator of the direction Google is heading in. If you thought Android O would be the star of the show, you were mistaken as Google spoke about the OS almost as an afterthought. To talk about the keynote, games editor Rishi Alwani and editor-in-chief Kunal Dua join host Pranay Parab on this episode of Orbital.

What OnePlus 5 Needs to Best iPhone 7, Galaxy S8

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 11 May 2017 15:15:00 +0530

Android fan Roydon Cerejo joins host Pranay Parab to talk about the upcoming OnePlus 5 smartphone. We discuss what the company needs to do to dethrone flagships such as iPhone 7 and Samsung Galaxy S8.

Could Windows 10 S Be a Game-Changer in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 4 May 2017 14:56:00 +0530

Windows enthusiasts Jamshed Avari and Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to talk about Microsoft's latest announcement - Windows 10 S. This could bring ultra low-cost laptops to India and be a big deal for many potential laptop buyers.

Is Now the Best Time to Switch to iPhone in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 13:00:00 +0530

iPhone prices are no longer sky high throughout the year. Currently in India Apple's smartphones are available at big discounts off MRP. Phone experts Jamshed Avari, Rishi Alwani, and Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to talk about the reasons behind this change in pricing strategy.

Does Galaxy S8's Price Give It a Boost in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 18:20:00 +0530

The Galaxy S8 price in India and release date have been revealed we talk about whether the pricing is a big weapon in Samsung's arsenal. Phone experts Jamshed Avari and Aditya Shenoy join host Pranay Parab to talk about several India-specific features of the phones.

How ClearTax Is Trying to Go Beyond Tax Returns

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 15:30:00 +0530

ClearTax CEO talks to Gadgets 360's Pranay Parab about the company's ongoing journey from helping people file tax returns into becoming a wealth management hub that teaches you how to grow your money.

A Frankenstein Named TrueWhatsAppCaller

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 6 Apr 2017 15:30:00 +0530

Reliance Jio Summer Surprise Offer is a big topic of discussion in this episode as telecom experts Gopal Sathe and Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to talk about this. We also talk about YouTube Go, and WhatsApp's rumoured intentions to allow people to send money via the app.

OK Google, Activate Bixby

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 00:35:00 +0530

Samsung has just launched the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+ smartphones. After the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, these two smartphones are very important for Samsung to restore trust in its brand. Gagan Gupta, Rishi Alwani, and Roydon Cerejo join host Pranay Parab to talk about these phones and whether they're likely to succeed in India.

What iPhone SE Price Cut Means for India

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 21:55:00 +0530

Apple launched a new variant of the iPhone and a new iPad, apart from two new variants of the iPhone SE. The big news for India is, of course, the price cut for the iPhone SE. Reviews editor Jamshed Avari, games editor Rishi Alwani, and host Pranay Parab discuss what these Apple announcements mean for India.

Android-Powered iPhones

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 10:45:00 +0530

Is Moto G5 Plus the best affordable Android smartphone Indians can buy right now? Do you really need to spend more than Rs. 15,000 on a smartphone? Is stock Android really as big a deal as some people claim it is? Android enthusiasts Roydon Cerejo, Rishi Alwani, and Gagan Gupta join host Pranay Parab to discuss.

It's Like a Packet of Biscuits

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 9 Mar 2017 11:05:00 +0530

Telecom industry watchers Gopal Sathe and Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to talk about the "unlimited" data plans offered by Reliance Jio, Vodafone, Airtel, and Idea. Will these benefit consumers in the long run or are we likely to see a price rise? That and a lot more in this episode.

Nokia 3310 Feels Like a Hammer

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 1 Mar 2017 14:35:00 +0530

An episode dedicated to smartphones as we talk about Nokia's big comeback and other major announcements from Lenovo, LG, and Sony. Hindi editor Sandeep Kumar Sinha and senior editor Ketan Pratap join host Pranay Parab in a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Truecaller: Essential, Evil, or Both?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 12:30:00 +0530

Truecaller is one of the most popular apps in India and many other parts of the world. Its key feature is spam prevention but plenty of privacy concerns surround the app. Rohan Naravane, Gagan Gupta, and Rishi Alwani join host Pranay Parab to discuss whether privacy should be the price to pay for convenience.

Monster CPU at Deadly Price?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 12:30:00 +0530

AMD's Ryzen line of CPUs is going to be launched soon and it could offer great performance at half the price of competing CPUs. We discuss whether all the hype is just a marketing gimmick and whether the final product line will deliver on the promises.

Should Apple Sell Used iPhones in India?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 12:30:00 +0530

Apple may have plans to manufacture iPhones in India if strong rumours and according to a minister's tweet. We discuss how this could impact iPhone prices in the country and whether selling refurbished iPhones in India is a good idea.

How Reliable Is Google Maps?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 12:30:00 +0530

Google Maps is perhaps the most widely used service in India for navigation. We talk about what Google needs to do to improve its service in India.

Welcome to India

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 10:40:00 +0530

We've used the three major video streaming services in India - Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix. We speak about all three and which one of them is the best.

Hopefully You Won't Bankrupt Yourself This Way

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 13:02:00 +0530

Unified Payments Interface could be the future of online payments in India but there are several teething issues that need to be sorted out. One of the largest banks in India has blocked a UPI app, which is inconveniencing people and we point out that in this scenario, all parties are to be blamed.

Depths of Other People's Depravity

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 12:30:00 +0530

Gadgets 360's two-person reviews team returns from CES 2017 in Las Vegas with crazy jet lag and some fond memories. We discuss the best things we saw on the show floor and the tech trends that emerged from CES 2017.

CES 2017 Has Trumped All My Expectations

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 5 Jan 2017 15:16:00 +0530

We talk about the launches from CES 2017 that excited us the most. From Google Assistant, Chromebooks, to gaming laptops and fitness wearables, there's a lot to discuss from the world's biggest tech show.

Don't Say That

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 13:05:00 +0530

We pick our favourite things from 2016 and talk about the stuff we're looking forward to from 2017. Topics range from Forza Horizon 3 to Aadhaar cards.

If It's Free It's Good

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 14:05:00 +0530

We've been using Reliance Jio for a few months now, which means it's time to talk about the service. Is it the amazing, affordable high-speed Internet paradise that India deserves or yet another marketing gimmick?

It Was Spelt Todd for Some Reason

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 19:05:00 +0530

Nintendo's first real game for smartphones is here. We talk about everything we love about Super Mario Run and the many ways in which it can be a lot better.

I Can't Even Fit This Movie

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 12:53:00 +0530

Amazon Prime Video has been launched in India at an insanely low price. Will this force competitors such as Netflix to reduce the price and does Amazon have enough in its catalogue to justify purchasing a subscription.

People Are Bad With Passwords

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 8 Dec 2016 13:24:00 +0530

Security or convenience, which side of the rope are you on? As RBI announced that you don't need to enter a second password for online payments of under Rs. 2,000 anymore, our payments experts gather to discuss whether this is a good move and who it will benefit.

WhatsApp Is the New Facebook

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 1 Dec 2016 16:30:00 +0530

WhatsApp addicts meet a social media hermit to talk about the pros and cons of the Facebook-owned messaging app.

A Club Sandwich

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 24 Nov 2016 12:30:00 +0530

With a brand new PS4 Pro in the Gadgets 360 office, we talk about all that’s changed in the new gaming console from Sony. We discuss whether you should buy the PS4 Pro if you already have a PS4 and who should definitely buy this.

The Vain and the Shabbily Dressed

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 13:50:00 +0530

We tried making several video calls on WhatsApp to see if the feature works. We discuss whether the feature is a game-changer in India.

Most Popular Science Fiction From India

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 9 Nov 2016 19:25:00 +0530

The Gadgets 360 team dials down on all the jubilation around the government’s move to discontinue Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 currency notes. Is it really going to bring in a new era in digital payments? We’re not very optimistic about that.

I Was Stupid at the Time

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 3 Nov 2016 10:00:00 +0530

What do you gain when you spend more than Rs. 1,000 on headphones? Who should buy these expensive headphones? Can you be happy with the headphones that shipped with your smartphone? We answer all of these questions.

Not a Laptop for Mere Mortals

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 02:27:00 +0530

Apple just announced fancy new MacBook Pro laptops. We discuss all that’s new, and whether we’re excited about these laptops. Also in the show - does Apple care about the other Macs in its lineup?

Taking Arrows to the Knees

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 18:43:00 +0530

Nintendo Switch has some unique features that could make it perfect for India. But will Nintendo’s upcoming console ever make it to the country? We discuss that and why we’re really looking forward to its launch early next year.

The Dreaded F Word - Fragmentation

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 13:19:00 +0530

Here’s what we want from the long-overdue updates to Apple’s Mac lineup. The event is on October 27, so expect speculation on the improvements all of the Macs could get.

400 Flying Monkeys on Screen

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 12:15:00 +0530

We used iPhone 7 and talk about how we feel about it. Longtime Android users discuss why they want to switch to the iPhone 7 Plus.

Quite Black, Really Blue, Very Silver

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 01:11:00 +0530

Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL smartphones have been launched but should you buy them? We discuss that and whether any of Google Home, Google Wifi, or Chromecast Ultra will come to India. Plus the star of the show, which was not any of these gadgets.

It's a WhatsApp Killer

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 11:30:00 +0530

We talk about Google's India-centric apps and announcements, followed by what to expect at Google's October 4 event.

Self Driving Cars With Autopilot

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 18:30:00 +0530

Why we fell in love with Forza Horizon 3, one of the best racing games ever made.

You Can Delete Apple Maps

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 14:50:00 +0530

Right after Apple launched iOS 10, we talk about the things we like and don't in the latest operating system.

Because It's an iPhone

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 04:55:23 +0530

Why we're excited about all of Apple's announcements at the September 7 event, including iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and Apple Watch Series 2.

Right Next to Your LP Player

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 11:00:15 +0530

PS4 Neo, PS4 Slim, and everything else expected at Sony PlayStation Meeting.

I Read That on Gadgets360.com

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 15:37:30 +0530

The iPhone 7 is expected to be announced on September 7 and here's everything we expect the company to announce.

HD Voice Calling for the Win

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 17:14:15 +0530

Reliance Jio 4G tariffs were revealed and we talk about its implications for India. This makes cellular data a lot cheaper in India and introduces free voice calling and text messages. But is there a catch?

Even Indie Gamers Don't Want That Game

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 11:25:19 +0530

PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Games With Gold - which is the better subscription service?

No Man's Sky Is Life

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 14:10:19 +0530

No Man's Sky is the among the most hyped games of 2016. We discuss whether the game lives up to its billing.

It's a Solo Experience

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 12:19:19 +0530

Virtual reality has been the next big thing for too long and now it's close to going mainstream. We discuss what it is and why you should care about it, and share our fun and creepy VR experiences.

Don't Buy It at Launch, Please

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 13:29:29 +0530

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has been announced. We discuss its best features and whether Indian buyers can expect a price drop anytime soon.

Video Is Like Whipped Cream

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 12:00:13 +0530

Amazon Prime has launched in India at a pretty low price. We discuss whether the subscription service is worth buying in India, where many of Amazon Prime US' best features are unavailable.

Haha You Could Not Buy One of My Phones

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 12:15:13 +0530

Flash sales for smartphones and other gadgets are disrespectful to customers willing to pay. We discuss why they need to go away.

Pokemon Go Players With No Life

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 17:52:25 +0530

How to catch powerful Pokemon? How to beat others at battles at Pokemon Gyms? How to survive while playing Pokemon Go? All your Pokemon Go questions answered in this episode

Free WiFi Pineapple

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 12:24:36 +0530

Free public Wi-Fi networks are not safe. We discuss the precautions you need to take before logging in.

Game of Thrones Season 6 - Go Lyanna

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 15:10:00 +0530

Three Gadgets 360 staff writers dive into the latest season of HBO's fantasy epic, which continues to be among the best shows on TV.

Windows 10 Laptops Under Rs. 15,000 ($220)

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 13:00:00 +0530

Windows 10 laptops from reputed manufacturers such as HP, Lenovo, and Acer are available under Rs. 15,000. The deal sounds too good to be true, so we discuss if there is a catch and whether you should buy these affordable laptops.

Stealth Mode for Trolls

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 13:05:00 +0530

Forza Horizon 3, Dishonored 2, and God of War are just three of all the exciting games from E3 2016. We go on a hype overdrive before the reality of release dates brings us crashing down.

WWDC 2016 Special

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 03:20:22 +0530

From upgrades to the Messages app to much-needed Apple Music improvements, we talk about the things we loved and some we weren't impressed with during the WWDC 2016 keynote.

Euro 2016 Special: FIFA 16 vs PES 2016

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 09:10:00 +0530

Both FIFA 16 and PES 2016 have a huge fanbase, but only one offers officially licensed UEFA Euro 2016 content. We discuss what we like and dislike about these two football games and which one you should buy.

iOS 10 Marshmallow

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 14:13:00 +0530

Before WWDC 2016, we discuss what we want from Apple's biggest conference for developers. Featuring Siri, Macs, OS X, iOS 10, and much more.

Mini PlayStation 4 With Orange Lights

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 12:15:25 +0530

E3 2016, one of the world's biggest gaming events, is almost here. We talk about what to look forward to including PS4 Neo, Xbox mini, and the games we're most excited about.

PlayStation 3: Is It for Me?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 26 May 2016 10:35:54 +0530

The Sony PlayStation 3 is one of the cheapest gaming consoles in the world and offers some great games at ridiculously low prices. Should you buy it?

Allo, Welcome to Google I/O

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 19 May 2016 18:03:19 +0530

Google announced two new messaging apps - Allo and Duo. While these are great, where does that leave good old Hangouts? We talk about promised seamless Android updates while wondering how many phones even get Android updates.

Farewell Intel?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 12 May 2016 13:43:29 +0530

Intel has abandoned its efforts to crack the smartphone market, but does that mean we can rule out the company entirely? Also, is Viv what Siri should have been?

Free Smartphones

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 5 May 2016 16:43:29 +0530

Is it time to stop paying for smartphones? LeEco seems to think so. It might offer free smartphones in a bid to push its content service in India. But is India ready to finally start paying for content? We dissect Google's big carrier billing push in the country to find out.

Panic Button

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 22:43:29 +0530

The Indian government has made it mandatory for mobile phones sold in India after January 1, 2017 to have a panic button. We discuss this means for the smartphone market. Followed by Nintendo's proposed entry into the world of mobile games with Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing.

Die 3.5mm Jack, Die?

kunald@ndtv.com (Gadgets 360) — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 22:43:29 +0530

Should the 3.5mm headphone jack die? Why are smartwatches still so expensive?