Dell Beats Revenue Estimates in First Report as Public Company

Dell, one of the top players in the PC market, returned to public markets on December 28 after it bought back interest tied to the performance of software maker VMware.

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Samsung Galaxy A6 Reportedly Gets Android Pie Beta With One UI

Samsung Galaxy A6 was launched in May last year with Android 8.0 Oreo.

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New Mahindra 2.0-litre diesel to come with three power outputs

As the month of March gets underway, there’s only a little over a year to go for the implementation of the Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission norms in India, which come into effect from April 1, 2020. Carmakers have already chalked out plans to phase out production of BS-IV engines much before the deadline, and most are working on upgrading engines to meet the more stringent emission norms. While manufacturers are yet to share details of their clean new engines, we can now confirm Mahindra is readying a new, BS-VI-compliant, 2.0-litre diesel engine that’ll power its next-gen SUVs.

Set to replace the current 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine, the new 2.0-litre diesel from Mahindra will be an all-aluminium unit that will be significantly lighter than the mHawk. Sources close to the company say the 2.0-litre diesel is a full 80kg lighter than the 2.2-litre mHawk, which powers the TUV300 Plus, Scorpio and XUV500.

Interestingly, the 2.0-litre diesel will be offered in three states of tune for use in different models. In the all-new Mahindra Thar (due to launch sometime in 2020), this engine will develop 140hp and over 300Nm of torque, a big jump in power terms over the existing model that makes 105hp and 247Nm from its 2.5-litre unit.

On the higher end, this 2.0-litre diesel will also be employed in the next-gen Mahindra XUV500 that’s set to launch towards the end of 2020. In the new XUV500, this engine will produce an impressive 185hp – an increase of 30hp over the current-gen XUV500. Expect a corresponding hike in torque as well, which is rated at 360Nm for the current-gen XUV500’s 2.2-litre mHawk engine. The 2.0-litre diesel mill will also be offered in a 150hp state of tune, which could potentially be used for the Mahindra Scorpio.

But the cleaner, more powerful engine will come at a cost. The high cost of upgrading diesels to meet BS-VI norms will make them considerably more expensive, so expect the new Thar and XUV500 – armed with the 2.0-litre diesel engine – to be notably pricier than their present-day counterparts.

As reported earlier, Mahindra’s new 2.0-litre diesel engine will also power its partner Ford’s version of the next-gen XUV500.

Also see:

2019 Mahindra XUV300 petrol review, test drive

Mahindra XUV300 buyer's guide video

Mahindra Glyd e-mobility service launched

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Watch the vivo iQOO get unveiled

Today we are finally going to see the vivo iQOO arrive officially and you can join in too. The Chinese company is launching the first device of its sub-brand, and it will come with three cameras, Snapdragon 855 and 12 GB RAM and has posted a live stream from Shenzhen, China, which you can follow below. The event begins at 7:30 PM local time, which is 12:30 CET. The new device will be the most powerful vivo smartphone up to date. Aside from the obvious monstrous chipset and RAM, it will also have 44W fast-charging that will top up the 4,000 mAh battery in 50 minutes, and there will...

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Huawei Chief Says Killed a Galaxy Fold-Like Design Because 'It Was Bad'

Richard Yu, Huawei's CEO of consumer business, revealed that Huawei had a similar prototype in works but the company "killed it."

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Mahindra TUV300 Facelift Spotted Testing

Mahindra is giving the TUV300 a mid-life update and the new set of spy pictures reveal the changes made to its rear and side.

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AirPods reportedly reaching the end of their product cycle in March

A report from Spanish website AppleSfera claims that its sources tell about a March 29 launch date for the second-generation Apple AirPods. Apple's AirPods received lots of mixed criticism when they were first announced, including looking outright ridiculous while wearing them. Around two years later, they are a best-selling Apple product at Best Buy as iPhone users struggle with losing or breaking their headphone dongles. The AirPods are due for a refresh and a screenshot allegedly from a stock warehouse in the Asia-Pacific market labels the AirPods to have an "Out of Stock" date...

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Apple AirPods 2 Launch Set for March 25, Report Claims

Speculation points at Apple unveiling the AirPods 2 at an event on March 25, alongside an announcement of its long-awaited video streaming service

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Tesla Debuts $35,000 Model 3, Makes Global Sales Online-Only

An online-only sales strategy, along with other changes, would allow vehicle prices to fall by about 6 percent on average, Tesla said in a blog on its website.

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Samsung Galaxy S10 Phones to Ship With Pre-Applied Screen Protectors

The screen protector with have a cut-out for the fingerprint scanner

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Poor Performance Of Ciaz And Alto Range Hits Maruti Suzuki's Overall Sales

The new-generation Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, however, is now clubbed with the new Swift, Dzire, Baleno and Ignis, in the company's compact sub-segment, which collectively sold 72,678 units last month.

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SpaceX to Debut New 'Dragon' Crew Capsule in Crucial Test Flight

SpaceX closes in on human spaceflight with this weekend's debut of a new capsule designed for astronauts.

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Microsoft Now Uses AI, Human Power to Offer Security Analytics

Enterprise customers can get Microsoft Azure Sentinel in preview directly from the Azure portal.

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Samsung Galaxy A40 Support Page Goes Live, Galaxy A90 Camera Details Tipped

The Samsung Galaxy A40 phone was spotted on the Europe support page hinting at imminent launch.

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2019 Geneva motor show: 10 cars to look out for

The 2019 Geneva motor show is set to officially commence on March 5 and, like in the previous iteration, auto manufacturers from across the globe are preparing to debut and/or showcase their products and technologies to a global audience. The 89th edition of the show is set to feature cars ranging from affordable hatchbacks to high-end luxury and performance cars and some eye catching concepts as well.

Here is a look at some of the cars you should look out for at the show:

PRODUCTION CARS

BMW 7 Series facelift

BMW is set to showcase the 7 Series facelift at its podium alongside a number of its other models. Revealed in January, BMW’s updated flagship sedan features styling revisions to the exterior, improved tech and materials inside the cabin, and there’s a greater focus on refinement. Under the hood is range of petrol and diesel engines including hybrids and a range-topping V12.
Also see:
2019 BMW 7 Series image gallery

Skoda Kamiq

Skoda’s entry-level SUV, the Kamiq, shares its underpinnings with the VW T-Cross and was previewed last year by the Vision X concept. Styling adheres to Skoda's family design cues and draws inspiration from the Vision X, with a split headlamp setup, a wide grille and subtle character lines. Interior design is similar to the Scala hatchback with a touchscreen with a ‘hand-rest shelf’ atop the centre console and a digital instrument cluster. Engine options include a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.
Also see:
Skoda Kamiq image gallery

Tata Altroz

Tata created a big buzz at the Auto Expo last year with the H5X SUV and the 45X hatchback concepts. Now, the automaker is set to shake things up at Geneva with the reveal of the production 45X, called the Altroz. Set to launch in India later this year, the Altroz will closely follow the 45X’s design and will be offered with a pair of 1.2-litre turbo and non-turbo petrol engines. A diesel engine option is yet to be confirmed.
Also see:
Upcoming Tata Altroz hatchback: What we know so far

Pininfarina Battista

Mahindra-owned Pininfarina is set to debut the all-electric hypercar, the Battista, at the motor show. Named after the company’s founder, Pininfarina claims the car will be an all-wheel-drive, two-seater that will offer 1,900hp and 2,300Nm, and a 0-100kph time of ‘under 2 seconds’. The 0-300kph sprint should be achieved in less than 12 seconds. The Battista is expected to have a range of around 482km.
Also see:
Pininfarina Battista electric hypercar secrets revealed

SsangYong Korando

Sitting between the Tivoli and the Rexton, the new Korando borrows styling details from the SIV 2 concept that the brand debuted at the 2016 Geneva motor show and the larger Rexton. Inside, the new-gen SUV follows a cleaner clutter-free dashboard design with a large central touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster that minimises the use of buttons. Under the hood, expect a new 1.6-litre diesel and an all-electric version as well.

CONCEPTS

Tata Vision Hornbill micro-SUV concept

Another one of the big unveils by Tata will be the Vision Hornbill micro SUV concept, which is based on Tata’s new Alfa platform. The rival to the Mahindra KUV100 NXT and the production version of the Maruti Future S concept will slot below the Nexon in the company’s line-up. The production-spec Hornbill is expected to debut at Auto Expo 2020.

Tata H7X Concept

Alongside the Hornbill, Tata is also set to debut the H7X concept – the seven-seat derivative of the Harrier. Due to launch in India during the second-half of 2019, the production-spec H7X will be 62mm longer than the Harrier due to a larger rear overhang in order to accommodate the third row of seats. Tata plans to give the production SUV a different name and tweaked styling to better differentiate it from the Harrier. The model will also get a more powerful, BS-VI-compliant 2.0-litre diesel engine, which is expected to make an excess of 170hp and 350Nm of torque. Transmission options for the SUV will include a 6-speed manual and a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox.
Also see:
Tata H7X likely to feature rotary gear selector, electronic parking brake
7-seat Tata Harrier (H7X) teased ahead of Geneva unveil

Tata 45X EV concept

While the Altroz will make its public debut as a production hatchback, Tata is will also be bringing an all-electric 45X concept to Geneva. The 45X EV aims to display the electrification potential of products based on Tata’s Alfa architecture and is a follow-up to the EVision sedan concept from last year, which showcased the EV-readiness of the Omega platform. While not much is known about the 45X EV at t
Also see:
All-electric Tata 45X India launch likely within 2 years

Skoda Vision iV concept

Skoda’s all-electric SUV concept, the iV, draws inspiration for the Vision E concept that debuted in 2017. Teasers of the SUV suggest a coupe-like profile as seen on the Vision E though with notable changes to the front and rear including the addition of more conventional bumpers and a grille. Sketches of the cabin suggest a minimalist design with a high-set central touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster and minimal control surfaces.

Kia performance EV concept

Kia has teased a yet unnamed all-electric performance car concept, which will be unveiled in the coming days. Expected to be a showcase for the brand’s technologies, the teaser hints at a car with a low, wide stance, a heavily sculpted bonnet, slim LED lamps housed within the grille and cameras for rear view mirrors. There are no details about the concept’s powertrain, yet.

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Review: 2019 Mahindra XUV300 petrol review, test drive

What is it?

Aside from the XUV300’s all-round talents, its diesel engine thoroughly impressed us by delivering very well on the performance and refinement front too; and under the hood of the Marazzo, the same engine also took home our coveted ‘Engine of the Year Award’. Thus, we were very keen to see if the XUV300’s petrol motor would live up to this high standard. The engine in question is a turbocharged version of the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol unit from the KUV100, which Mahindra says has been thoroughly revised and tuned for duty under the hood of the XUV.

The all-aluminium unit puts out 110hp at 5,000rpm and a class-leading 200Nm of torque between 2,000-3,500rpm. For reference, its direct rival, the Ford EcoSport, makes 123hp and 150Nm of torque in the 1.5-litre guise, whereas the 1.0-litre turbo unit puts out 125hp and 170Nm of torque.

Like the diesel, the petrol XUV300 also comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. In all other aspects, too, the two are identical and are offered in four trims. Thus, having reviewed the diesel, we’ll only focus on the petrol engine’s performance in this test.

What’s it like to drive?

It’s evident that Mahindra has done its homework with the petrol too. At idle, the engine is smooth and refined, especially considering that this is a three-cylinder unit that is inherently difficult to smoothen. The sound note can be a bit gruff, but only just, and once on the move, things get nice and smooth; on the whole, this is a refined engine. At times when the fuel cuts off on the overrun, or during throttle lift-off, it feels a bit lazy and, for a fraction of a second, the car still drives on instead of slowing down; this can catch you unaware at times.

Being a turbo, there is lag. However, power builds early from about 1,700rpm, and then when the turbo kicks in at 2,200rpm, it feels like a second wind rather than turbo lag. This then makes the mid-range nice and strong, and the power delivery stays linear till about the 4,500rpm mark where it rolls off gradually into the 5,800rpm limiter. On the whole, power delivery could have been more linear but the engine can certainly be called a good one; however, the benchmark for small-capacity turbo-petrols still remains the Ford 1.0-litre EcoBoost unit.

At times, keeping things smooth at low revs requires you to consciously modulate throttle and clutch. The clutch pedal effort is light though and that, along with an easy gearshift and light steering, mean the car isn’t taxing in traffic. Both, the petrol and diesel, offers the variable steering modes but don’t offer very good feedback; however, in the petrol, you will feel a bigger difference in weight between the modes.

Should I buy one?

In its diesel avatar, the XUV300 remains a very competent package. The performance is strong and refined and it also offers better efficiency to boot – ARAI figures indicate 20kpl against the 17kpl for the petrol. Also, unlike other cars, the diesel comes in at a premium of only about Rs 50,000-60,000, so it would remain our pick between the two. However, this does not mean that the petrol is without merit; its performance and refinement are also good, and if your driving is less and you want that extra bit of refinement, the petrol fits the bill. So, while it may not have the measure of the diesel, the petrol engine on the XUV300 certainly lives up to standards.

Also see:

2019 Mahindra XUV300 review, test drive

Mahindra XUV300 buyer's guide video

Record Rann: Mahindra XUV300 at the Rann of Kutch

Mahindra XUV300 accessories pricing revealed

Mahindra XUV300: 5 things you need to know

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Is Spotify India's Catalogue as Good as Spotify US?

Spotify India has launched with an impressive catalogue, but is the collection as impressive as that in US? Here's what we found.

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Amazon Moves to End the Scourge of Fake Goods on Its Platform

Amazon on Thursday unveiled "Project Zero," which will allow participating brands to use a self-service tool to take down counterfeit listings.

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Huawei Pleads Not Guilty to US Trade Secrets Theft Charges

Huawei pleaded not guilty Thursday to US trade-theft charges in a case that has heightened a trade dispute between the world's two largest economies.

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Redmi Note 7 Pro and Redmi Note 7 First Impressions

Redmi Note 7 Pro price in India starts at Rs. 13,999, while the Redmi Note 7 price starts at Rs. 9,999.

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Xfinity Mobile used ‘0000' as default account PIN and customers were exposed to hacks

Xfinity Mobile is an MVNO carrier that runs on both Verizon's LTE networks and seamlessly connects to Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots around the US when in range. The network has some customers left stranded with their phone numbers stolen by attackers who then used the numbers to commit identity fraud. The issue stemmed from Xfinity Mobile irresponsibly setting account PIN numbers to a default "0000". In the US, this PIN is given to a new phone company along with basic account information in order to permanently transfer the number to a new provider. We're aware of a very small number of...

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FAME II gets government approval

Electric mobility in the country has just received a huge boost by the government. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal for implementation of  'Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India Phase II (FAME India Phase II)' for promotion of electric mobility in the country. The scheme, with total outlay of Rs 10,000 crore over the period of three years, will be implemented from April 1, 2019. This scheme is the expanded version of the present FAME India 1, which was launched on April 1, 2015, with total outlay of Rs 895 crore.

FAME India Phase II aims to encourage faster adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles by way of offering upfront incentives on purchase of electric vehicles and also by establishing necessary charging infrastructure for EVs, which is critical if e-mobility is to take root in the country.

Key highlights of FAME II

- The emphasis is on electrification of public transportation, including shared transport.

- Demand incentives on an operational expenditure model for electric buses will be delivered through State/City transport corporation (STUs).

- For the electric three-wheeler and four-wheeler segments, incentives will be applicable mainly to vehicles used for public transport or registered for commercial purposes.

- In the electric two-wheeler segment, the focus will be on private vehicles.

- FAME II plans to support 10,00,000 e-two-wheelers; 5,00,000 e-three-wheelers; 55,000 four-wheelers and 7,000 buses.

- To encourage advance technologies, the benefits of incentives will be extended to only those vehicles that are fitted with advanced batteries – like lithium-ion and other new-technology batteries.

- The scheme proposes for establishment of charging infrastructure, whereby about 2,700 charging stations will be established in metros, other million-plus cities, smart cities and cities of hilly states across the country, so that there will be availability of at least one charging station in a grid of 3x3 km.

- Establishment of charging stations are also proposed on major highways connecting major city clusters. On such highways, charging stations will be established on both sides of the road at an interval of about 25km each.

Industry welcomes FAME Phase II

The sizeable outlay for incentivising electric mobility in the country is just what EV manufacturers have been wanting and have welcomed it.  

Commenting on the FAME II scheme, Dr Pawan Goenka, managing director, Mahindra & Mahindra said, “We applaud the approval of FAME II scheme by the Union Cabinet. The new outlay of Rs 10,000 crore over a period of three years provides a stable policy to promote green mobility in India. It addresses the key issues including national energy security, mitigation of the adverse impact of vehicles on the environment and growth of domestic technology and manufacturing capabilities. The revised FAME II removes all the uncertainty and will put electric vehicles in the fast lane. Mahindra supports the Central Government’s focus to boost EVs in public transportation and now requests local authorities to help facilitate plying of electric vehicles on Indian roads.

“Government support with the FAME II scheme is holistic and includes focus on charging infrastructure with a clear emphasis on ‘Make in India’. We feel that it is now the responsibility of suppliers, OEMs and mobility service providers to invest in EVs and make India's EV dream become a reality.”

The Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV), in a statement, said: “We are thankful to the government for accepting our demands for a long-term scheme with substantial fund support. The support would encourage associated industry players to invest in the sector, which will further help in creating an ecosystem, locally. We look forward to seeing the final notification from the Ministry, which will give us clarity on the government’s roadmap of e-mobility.”

Ayush Lohia, CEO, Lohia Auto, said, “The Rs 10,000 crore package will make two- and three-wheeler electric vehicles very attractive to customers as it would end up bringing down their costs compared to petrol vehicles. It will also increase the sales push, consumer acceptance and help build a customer base. We welcome the government proposal to establish EV charging infrastructure, whereby close to 2,700 charging stations will be installed in metros, other million-plus cities, smart cities and cities of hilly states across the country, which is going to give a major push to e-vehicle users."

Also see:

 

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Rotten Tomatoes Shuts Down Trolls Targeting Female-Led Blockbusters

Rotten Tomatoes announced that it would no longer allow users to comment ahead of a movie's release.

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Xiaomi MiWiFi Mesh Router With Up to 2,567Mbps Speeds Announced

The Xiaomi MiWiFi mesh router is still not available for commercial use and will go through a round of beta testing before it is launched.

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Is the Renault Duster here to stay?

Is there any possibility of the Renault Duster’s production being stopped along with the Nissan Terrano, as they are both on the same platform?
Pradeep, Mohali

AAA The Duster is still a key model for Renault and there are no plans to stop its production. In fact, there could be an upgraded Duster coming by early 2020. The Terrano, however, will be discontinued to make as there is some overlap with the Kicks, which Nissan is banking on.

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Review: Benelli TRK 502 vs Kawasaki Versys 650 comparison video

Also see:

Benelli TRK 502, 502X review, test ride

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Realme 3 Teased by Flipkart Ahead of Its March 4 Launch in India

Flipkart listing takes a jibe at Redmi Note 7 by showing a 12nm MediaTek Helio P70 SoC on Realme 3.

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Google Workers Support Proposed U.S. Laws to Curb Mandatory Arbitration

Six Google employees on Thursday joined US lawmakers to support bills that would ban mandatory arbitration in employment and consumer contracts.

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Huawei releases Android 9 Pie update with EMUI 9 for Mate 9 series and nova 2s

Huawei's latest EMUI 9 based on Android 9 Pie is now headed to a few more devices. The company has released the new software for the Mate 9, Mate 9 Pro, Mate 9 Porsche Design, and nova 2s in China today. The P10 and P10 Plus units sold in the company's home country are also in the process of making the jump, even though in that case the update is not a world premiere - the Pie release has been out in other parts of the world since December. Additionally, the Honor 9 and Honor V9 are graced with the same new software too - though this isn't new either, having gone out to units elsewhere...

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FAME II Scheme Gets Union Cabinet's Nod; Rs. 10,000 Crore Allocated For EVs

Though the FAME II scheme hasn't given any clarity on incentivising private four-wheelers yet. However, it has proposed the establishment of 2700 charging stations in metro cities and across other...

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Tesla Model 3 Base Trim Introduced At $35,000; All Cars To Be Sold Online Only

Tesla's Model 3 sedan will now be offered at a base price of $35,000. The company also said that all car sales worldwide will be shifted to online only, further distancing itself from the dealership...

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Benelli TRK 502, TRK 502 X First Ride Review

We finally get our hands on the much awaited, highly anticipated, Benelli TRK 502 and its off-road version, the Benelli TRK 502 X. These motorcycles have been a long time coming and they hold a lot of...

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Redmi Note 7 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy A30 vs Nokia 6 Plus vs Oppo K1

We take a look at how the Redmi Note 7 Pro stacks up to the Samsung Galaxy A30, Nokia 6 Plus, and Oppo K1 on paper.

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March Is Big for Netflix India. Here's What You Should Look Out for.

Delhi Crime, Madhuri Dixit, Triple Frontier, Wonder Woman, Steven Spielberg classics, the Bourne trilogy, Gladiator, Get Out, Back to the Future, and more. March is big for Netflix in India.

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Samsung Galaxy A50 and Galaxy A30 First Impressions

The new Samsung Galaxy A50 and Galaxy A30 are for young millenial buyers who want to step up from the Galaxy M-series, and offer several premium features.

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YouTube to Ban Comments on Most Videos Featuring Kids

YouTube said that it will block users from commenting on most videos that feature minors, responding to reports that paedophiles had used comments to find, track and exploit children.

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Review: Benelli TRK 502, 502X review, test ride

A quick glance in the direction of the 502 and the 502X (the latter being the off-road biased variant) reveals some substantial developments in the way Benelli now designs its motorcycles. Unlike some of the older-gen Benellis that have been on sale in India, the TRK 502 seems to have been designed with an eye for detail and none of it is, to say the least, scandalous or tacky. There are details, such as the abundant use of metal even where other manufacturers opt for plastics showcase Benelli’s emphasis on a quality long-term experience, although not all of it may necessarily good-natured. More on that later. First off, this is a huge motorcycle. If Benelli (or anyone else, for that matter) told me this was a 1200, I’d believe it right away. A look at the specifications reveals it is taller, longer and heavier than its nearest rival (in terms of engine spec), the Kawasaki Versys 650. Our specifications comparison of the TRK 502 with the Versys X300, Versys 650 and SWM Superdual T will give you a detailed look into it, so I’ll move on to the most important aspects.

X AND WHY?

Both variants get a 20-litre tank, a 1505mm wheelbase, and as per Benelli, a 235 kg kerb weight – we suspect the 502X is heavier, but until Benelli confirms, this remains the official version. The standard 502 is the road-focused version and is the cheaper of the two. It gets 17-inch alloys at either end with Pirelli Angel ST tyres (120/70-17 front, 160/60-17 rear), two 320mm discs up front and a 260mm disc at the rear, dual-channel ABS and a 50mm USD fork. The X features nearly the same spec, but there are distinctions. Firstly, it features a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear (both of the wire-spoke variety), with Metzeler Tourance tyres (110/80-19 front, 150/70-17 rear) which aim to allow for a fair bit of soft-roading. These tyres do come embossed with a ‘Tubeless’ sign on the sidewalls but the wire-spoke rims don’t appear to be the type to support tubeless rubber – we’ll have to pull one apart to tell you. The brake discs are the same size but, oddly, only the 502X features petal-shaped front discs. Strangely, the 502X calliper isn't radially mounted as you'd find on the base 502. The X also features a full-sized exhaust end-can as opposed to the underbelly unit on the 502 – the X’s unit sounds mildly bassier, but offers no apparent performance benefits; it sure adds to the bulk, which further raises our doubts on Benelli’s claims about a uniform 235kg kerb weight. Regardless, what we can confirm is that the Kawasaki Versys weighs 216 kg, which makes it 19 kilos lighter than the lightest of the TRK 502s.

Thankfully, this weight is off-set by the relatively friendly seat height – 800mm on the 502 and 840mm on the X (same as on the Versys 650). Riders under 5’10 will struggle more than taller ones at low speeds and this applies strongly to the X, especially off the road. Getting it off the stand takes some effort although the centre stand (only on the X; the 502’s underbelly exhaust makes it impossible) is designed to make its deployment very easy. With both wheels on the ground, my attention shifted focus to the interface which evoked mixed emotions. I like that the fairly tall windscreen is mounted on a rigid metal frame – it’s less likely to rattle than a plastic-mounted unit over the period of ownership – but then the entire fairing is mounted on a sizeable metal frame as well, which is undoubtedly contributing to all that weight. A closer look revealed that some of the fairing’s internals haven’t been mounted with cushioning washers (rubber or otherwise), which means hard or long-enough time spent on Indian roads may result in some panels cracking or rattling incessantly. If you have owned a certain 223cc motorcycle at some point, you will know exactly what this is about.

The instrument console looks neatly finished, though, with the plastic surround (what? Not metal?!) keeping the rider’s view uncluttered. Instrumentation isn’t over-the-top but provides enough, with an analogue tachometer and a rectangular screen  with a speedometer, odometer, two trip meters, a fuel level indicator, a clock, gear-position indicator and engine temperature being neatly displayed. Could have been fancier, I’d say, but nothing to strongly dislike for sure. What doesn't feel very premium is that the speedo takes a while to settle on zero if you slow to a halt in a hurry. The switchgear, also isn’t quite premium. It works and is laid-out in an uncomplicated manner, but in an age when sub-200cc motorcycles offer even back-lit switches, a Rs 5 lakh motorcycle should not  make do with dated-looking stuff. The ABS switch is mounted on the mirror stalk mount and looks like an afterthought but, on the good side, everything does fall to your opposable thumbs quite easily. The front brake lever is an adjustable unit although I see nobody being able to use it on setting 1 or 2. But that’s nitpicking, so let’s move on.

LET’S GET GOING

One aspect a lot of you must be curious to know is what the TRK 502 sounds like. Yes, it does replicate the TNT 300/302 R’s inline-four-mimicking bassy howl despite being a twin. I still don’t know how Benelli does this but this secret sauce certainly endears its bikes to a large section of its buyers and the TRK’s soundtrack will certainly garner a fan-following. I’m on the 502 at first and I can’t help notice how good the seat is. It’s big but also well-padded, and it proved to be fantastic on the 900km ride back to base the next day. Moving on, a few needless blips of the throttle to clear its throat done with, I snick it (rather effortlessly) into first and we’re rolling. There’s no immediate surge of power and by the look (and sound of it), there’s nothing substantial it has to offer at low revs. We’re on tricky surfaces (especially for a first encounter) and I can’t help noticing how top-heavy the TRK feels. Later the next day, even with the fuel tank nearly drained out, it still felt a bit top-heavy.

The 500cc, parallel-twin motor makes 47.5hp at 8,500 rpm and 46Nm at 6,000rpm, figures that are decent but in no way overwhelming. However, the 202.1hp/tonne power-to-weight configuration gives away the TRK’s game early on – there’s no fireworks to see here, you can be sure of it. Power delivery is linear, though, and while the throttle itself isn’t particularly light, it works well in a highway environment. All six gears slot in with a refined precision that feels up-to-date and the clutch lever, despite its lack of adjustability, offers balanced progression while not feeling excessively heavy. Also noticeable is the lack of significant vibrations at low speeds and revs, although this changes once the tacho needle sweeps past 6,000rpm. The fat chunk of rubber on the serrated footpegs makes sense, because it was possibly devised not only for comfort but also to camouflage said vibes. The handlebar gets mildly buzzy, too, and you feel the vibrations strongest at the seat and tank. None of this is strong enough to put you off riding, but it is in plain sight.

ON THE ROAD

The one thing you notice in an instant is the sharp turn-in the 502 offers. Benelli doesn’t specify it but the steering rake is certainly set at quite an acute angle, possibly to offset the heavy kerb weight, top-heavy configuration and the long wheelbase. Without that sort of rake, the TRK 502 would have felt like a proper slouch. This isn’t squarely a negative aspect but instead redirects to the sentiment of Benelli having evolved as a motorcycle manufacturer. It now knows better, and even if perfection may be a long way down the road, it’s a sign that Benelli is moving in the right direction. If that’s not enough, Benelli has done well in the suspension department as well. That 50mm fork may look like overkill but it offers great comfort without being too soft and the monoshock (preload and rebound adjustable) remained consistently good through a variety of roads ranging from non-existent stretches to B-roads and flat blacktops. On another note, the TRK is surprisingly easy to manoeuvre in traffic (with no real heat emerging, or being deflected to the rider’s legs)  although, with the wide standard crash guards and even wider optional panniers on, it took up nearly as much lane width as a car!

In total honesty, the TRK is a bit boring to ride slowly. There’s no mechanical takeaway at low revs and you’ll certainly have more fun doing country roads on bikes like the KTM 390 Duke or the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. In fact, even on a wide-open four-lane, the TRK is no faster than a 390 Duke (the latter is possibly faster in real-world conditions) but the difference lies in the way its speeds are implied – the TRK is comfortable, cocooning sort of machine and all that wind-protection certainly helps slow down the sensation of high-speed travel. The 100kph mark comes up at 5,000rpm in 6th gear and every 20kph extra after that point comes at a 2,000rpm leap. I didn’t say this out aloud (ahem!) but the TRK 502 is at ease sitting at 140 kph (7,000rpm) with room for probably 30kph more. I know, this is still KTM/Royal Enfield territory but neither of those offer the sort of long-haul travel comfort, especially if you also include a pillion into the mix, so it’s justified to isolate the TRK from those over-achieving go-getters we all rather like.

Having said that, while the TRK 502 functions very effectively as a mid-level highway hauler, it offers no emotional takeaway. There’s nothing that’ll make you want to ride it for the heck of it, nothing that will see you devise clever excuses to go for a ride. When you commit to a long ride, it’ll take you there, but it feels a bit appliance-like. On that long ride home after the first ride event, the TRK 502 gained my trust in its ability to gobble up long distances quickly, but I was equally sure I wouldn’t be tempted to take a longer-than-necessary route home. This may be subjective and it certainly doesn’t make the 502 a bad motorcycle, especially at that price point, but unlike on, say, the Interceptor 650, I wasn’t busy making future riding plans with it while chomping down a hundred kilometres every hour at night. This reminds me to make a quick mention of the headlight, which provides an excellent beam and spread although it could have been brighter. Nothing beats a set of auxiliary lamps, I suppose.

OFF THE ROAD

The 502X is dynamically lesser generous than the standard 502 but some of you may like it more because of that additional possibility it presents – of venturing off the road, that is. This is not a motorcycle you’d necessarily want to thrash over a dirt trail but soft-roading is possible. It’s on the X that its huge-ness really does become challenging, however. Thankfully, the TRK does offer visibly generous  lock-to-lock steering movement so really tight u-turns (in case you find a bison dawdling in your path or, worse, in your direction) are easy to execute. It also absorbs rough roads quite well and with ample ground clearance on offer (190mm on the standard 502, 220mm on the X), you have nothing to worry about.

I wouldn’t be too confident wading through a river on it, though (unlike on something more manageable, like the SWM Superdual T), and what also snips away at your confidence is the top edge of the fuel tank, which is exactly where you’d want to grip the tank. As a result, you are left managing the weight with either the steering or with your feet, and both result in instability and fatigue, which is not very nice. Another thing to consider is the braking. The bite and performance offered is actually terrific (on both variants) but it lacks in feel and progression . More than one of our abused test bikes also featured a judder every time we went anywhere near the front brake (I’ll put it down to a bent rim for now) and this didn’t make life much better.  

All that weight also means you have to be extremely cautious at low speeds and, from experience, I can tell you that over soft surfaces (especially ones you don’t anticipate), the TRK can do a dramatic jig at the front-end; good reflexes will go a long way into keeping you rubber-side down. Speaking of which, it’s certainly not the wisest idea to drop a TRK 502 because picking it up from its side is a hard task. I found out the hard way (just a parking incident, at 0kph – honest!) and could only pick it up with the assistance of a colleague. Thankfully, crash protection is standard on both variants of the 502, so the only thing that’ll hurt is your arms and back – from lifting it, that is.

IF YOU HAVE TO PICK ONE

Between the two, I’d still pick the more expensive (by Rs 40,000) 502X because it, at least, is a little more welcoming of more than purely road riding and because it looks more globetrotting-ready with those wheels. However, if you are absolutely confident of never leaving tarmac roads, then the standard 502 makes more sense, especially because we can confirm it comes with tubeless tyres! Benelli also offers a set of three panniers for about Rs 70,000 which are spacious and add to the purposeful styling, but reputable Indian gear manufacturers such as Dirtsack offer identical luggage options for nearly half the price – thank us later!

Going beyond just the objectivity of the TRK 502s, there is also a certain social stigma amongst evolved motorcyclists about associating with Benelli, but that may slowly change. With 16 dealerships in place and expansion operations underway, and with motorcycles like the Leoncino 500 on their way to India, Benelli is attempting to broaden its appeal, from a sub-premium Tier 2/3 brand, to include Tier 1 cities as well. In that sense, the TRK 502 is a good step (if not a compelling one, perhaps) and certainly not one we’d condemn, unlike some of Benelli’s previous motorcycles. So, if you and your pillion ride long distances regularly and want to do so at speed and in comfort, without spending the Rs 1.7 lakh extra that the Versys demands, the TRK 502 is a good place to begin until you save up for, let’s say, a Triumph Tiger or a Ducati Multistrada 1260.

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Xiaomi launches Mi Sports Basic Bluetooth earphones in India

Xiaomi has launched the Mi Sports Basic Bluetooth earphones in India. They are priced at INR 1499 and will be available starting March 20. However, you can pre-order them right now and it will ship on March 20th. The Mi Sports Basic are IPX4 rated to be sweat and splash resistant. They have an in-ear design with adjustable ear hooks to keep them in place. The controls allow you to play/pause, skip, adjust volume, pickup calls and use Google Assistant on your phone. The speakers come with five pairs of silicone ear tips. Three of these pairs are sealed and two are...

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You can pre-order the Sony Xperia 10 and 10 Plus in the US and they'll work on Verizon

Sony announced a total of four new smartphones at the MWC and two of them are now available to pre-order in the United States. The Xperia 10 and Xperia 10 Plus are two mid-range phones that will be sold unlocked in the US. Despite all the colors available, only silver and black are coming to the US In addition to working with GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile, the phones were also certified to work with Verizon. Since the carrier has begun to phase out its 3G CDMA network, Verizon's coverage is almost entirely LTE signal which means all calls and data don't ever need to be routed...

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Upcoming Tata Altroz hatchback: What we know so far

After much speculation over its name, Tata has christened the 45X hatchback as the Altroz. The name is said to be derived from the albatross sea bird. The production-spec premium hatchback will make its debut at the 2019 Geneva motor show, alongside three other brand-new Tata models.

The Altroz marks Tata’s first foray in the highly-contested premium hatchback segment. While the Tata Bolt was earlier considered the carmaker’s most premium hatchback, it never really became a sales sensation as it just wasn’t premium enough when compared to rivals. Tata hopes to change its fortunes in this space with the Altroz.

 In one of its latest teasers, Tata said the Altroz will “stand for agility, performance and efficiency” and will boast “best-in-class performance and in-cabin space”. While information is limited and the launch is still some time away, here’s what we know about Tata’s Maruti Suzuki Baleno rival, so far.

Tata Altroz platform

The Altroz is based on Tata’s new, flexible ALFA modular platform. The platform comprises of 15 individual modules that can be put together to form a complete vehicle. Much like VW’s MQB, the ALFA platform can be scaled for length, width, track and wheelbase, with the latter two being variable by more than 100mm. Following the Altroz, the ALFA platform will also underpin the Hornbill micro SUV and the 45X EV, both of which will be unveiled at the 2019 Geneva motor show.

Tata Altroz design

Styled using Tata’s Impact Design 2.0 language, the Altroz will feature a slimmer version of the ‘Humanity Line’ grille seen on the Harrier, large headlights, an angular front bumper, an upswept window line and a prominent shoulder line. The premium hatch will sport a raked roofline that tapers sharply to the rear and a C-pillar mounted rear door handle, as seen on the third-gen Maruti Suzuki Swift. Segment-leading alloy wheel sizes and large wing mirrors will also be a part of the package.

Tata Altroz interior

While Tata has barely revealed any information on the Altroz’s interior, we believe that the hatchback will have a T-shaped centre console that will feature a large, free-standing touchscreen display in the centre. The touchscreen is expected to be the largest in its class and come with the usual connectivity features. Vents for the HVAC system will be positioned below the touchscreen display. A part-digital instrument cluster, as seen on the Harrier, is also expected to be a part of the package. Quality of materials in the cabin will also be relatively premium.  

Tata Altroz powertrain

The Tata Altroz is expected to have at least two engine options at launch – the 85hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine from the Tiago hatchback and the 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol motor from the Nexon compact SUV. However, it is still uncertain whether the Altroz will get the option of a diesel engine as the upcoming BS-VI emission norms will make diesel cars significantly more expensive. If Tata does decide to offer a diesel, it will most likely be the 110hp, 1.5-litre engine that does the duty in the Nexon. In terms of the transmission, a 6-speed manual is expected to be standard across the range at launch.  

Tata Altroz rivals

The Tata Altroz will take on other premium hatchbacks like the Maruti Suzuki Baleno (Rs 5.45 -8.77 lakh), the Honda Jazz (Rs 7.40-9.34 lakh) and the Hyundai i20 (Rs 5.50-9.31 lakh). Due to launch in the second half of 2019, Tata is expected to price the Altroz very competitively in order to undercut its chief rivals.

(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)

Also see:

Tata H7X likely to feature rotary gear selector, electronic parking brake

Refreshed Tata Hexa launched at Rs 12.99 lakh

Tata developing Creta-sized ‘Blackbird’ SUV

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Near-production Honda Urban EV revealed

The production version of the Honda all-electric city car has officially been revealed. Set to go on sale in Europe later in 2019, Honda hopes the car’s retro design will give it an Apple-style appeal to customers.

Honda will bring the four-seat hatchback to the Geneva motor show in a 95 percent production-ready state. The images released by the firm show that Honda has maintained the design cues seen on the Urban EV Concept (unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show), albeit with the addition of an extra set of doors.

Project manager Kohei Hitomi said the machine had been the subject of an internal “battle” over whether to put it into production, with the positive reaction to the concept being a key factor in it gaining approval.

Honda has yet to confirm all the technical details of the new hatchback, which is slightly shorter than a Jazz and around 100mm taller than a Mini, but has said it will likely have an official range of around 200km, with fast-charging capacity to reach 80 percent charge in 30 minutes.

The e prototype is built on a new platform designed for smaller segment electric cars, with underfloor batteries that are similar to those used in the US market Accord plug-in hybrid. The rear-mounted electric motor drives the rear wheels, which employ torque vectoring to give a smoother response and improved handling in tight corners.

Although the e prototype’s range is substantially lower than that offered by rival EVs such as the 454km Kia e-Niro or BMW i3, which offers 310km, Hitomi said it was necessary to keep the batteries small to fulfil its city-car role.

“We believe the range is sufficient for this segment of car,” said Hitomi. “Some potential customers might not be satisfied, but when you think about bigger range and a bigger battery, it has drawbacks in terms of packaging. It’s a balance.”

The e prototype features cameras instead of rear-view mirrors, which help improve aerodynamic efficiency. There are also flush door handles and the charging port is mounted centrally in the bonnet.

The cabin is dominated by two 12-inch touchscreens, built into that dashboard that is finished with a wood-effect trim. The seats – including a two-seat bench in the rear – are covered in polyester, which, as with the wood effect, is designed to make the interior feel like a living room.

The e prototype will be built in Japan and go on sale in selected European markets in late 2019, with others, like the Japanese market following in 2020. While the Japanese firm has not revealed any plans for the all-electric city car’s India launch, Honda is working on bringing an affordable hybrid to India by 2021.

Also see:

New Honda Civic sedan rolls out from Noida plant

2019 Honda Civic vs rivals: Specifications comparison

Honda confirms plans to close UK plant in 2021

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Huawei CEO says Samsung Galaxy Fold's design is bad

Huawei's Mate X and Samsung's Galaxy Fold were undoubtedly the kings of MWC in Barcelona this week, as after many years of anxious anticipation and hype foldable phones finally seem to have arrived. The two employ very different designs however, and it's pretty clear which one Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei's mobile business, prefers. He revealed to Business Insider that his company was at one point working on three different foldable phone projects simultaneously, one of which looked very similar to Samsung's Galaxy Fold but was somehow "even better than that", in Yu's words. However, he...

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Maruti Suzuki Wagon R EV likely to have 130km real-world range

The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R EV is expected to have a real-world range of roughly 130km, according to sources privy to the project. The figure, sources claim, will be achievable in regular Indian city driving conditions and at typical average speeds. However, as with all EVs, the range will be inversely proportional to speed. A consistent higher speed will bring range down to 100km, we are told. The official certified range is expected to be much higher than 130km, though.   

A potential 130km real-world range will give the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R EV a degree of flexibility that’s so far missing in existing electric models like the Mahindra Electric e2O. The Mahindra e-Verito and Tata Tigor – with ARAI figures of 140km and 142km, respectively – have also been panned for their limited range. As reported earlier, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R EV will support standard AC charging as well as DC fast charging, with a charge time of 7 hours and 1 hour (to 80 percent), respectively. Final specifications for the Wagon R EV for India are not known as yet. 

The Wagon R EV for India is expected to feature a spacious cabin just like its conventionally powered sibling. The electric version of the Wagon R will come under the ambit of the government’s EV-promoting FAME 2 scheme and is also expected to benefit from state subsidies. In all, the subsidies could help bring down the final price for a buyer to somewhere around Rs 7-7.5 lakh.

Also see:

E-trio: start-up retrofits EV tech into Altos, Wagon Rs

Maruti Suzuki WagonR-based EV prototypes begin road testing

Maruti Suzuki WagonR EV launch in April 2020

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Galaxy S10 ships with pre-applied screen protector that has a three-month warranty

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Caviar offers custom designed iPhone XS or XS Max starting at $6390

A Russian Luxury brand called Caviar is offering new custom-made jewelry editions of either the iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max. The company is debuting its latest Prima Collection in honor of three Russian classic ballets: Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and La Bayadere. Each one represented by heroines from the respective ballets: Odette, Nikiya, and Aurora. Two of the designs use no fewer than 20 diamonds to decorate the phone's exterior and the result is quite extravagant and beautiful. The designs take about 12 days of work to complete and the Prima collection models start from $6,390...

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Samsung now lets you remap the Bixby key on older Galaxy phones

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Moto G7 now available in the US, the rest of the G7 not there yet

The first of Motorola's new G7 family is available in the US - the Moto G7 can be yours for $300. It's compatible with Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Google Fi. There's a choice between Black and White, but when it comes to memory, 4/64GB is the only option. The rest of the G7 lineup is not available yet, not in the US, anyway. The Moto G6 is down to $180, though, if you're looking for a lower cost alternative. See it. Like it. Want it. Now you can buy it too. The new #motog7 is on sale now! https://t.co/TWKAv0GxeW pic.twitter.com/BvOOuooRMi— Motorola US (@MotorolaUS) February 28,...

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Xiaomi unveils MiWiFi mesh router with Wi-Fi, gigabit Ethernet, powerline networking

Xiaomi unveiled its MiWiFi mesh networking router, which was developed in collaboration with Qualcomm. The router is simple to use and there's an app for your smartphone to help configure it. The routers have four amplifiers - two each for the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. You can use either to connect the two routers, creating a basic mesh network with speeds up to 2,567Mbps. Additionally, the router supports power line networking in case there's no clear wireless path. Xiaomi MiWiFi mesh router with Wi-Fi, gigabit Ethernet and powerline networking Each router has three gigabit...

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Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018) gets One UI through Android Pie beta

About a week after Samsung started the Android Pie beta program for the Galaxy A7 (2018) in India it's starting one for the Galaxy A6 (2018) in Korea. You can enroll into the beta program through the Samsung Members app and get Android Pie and the new One UI along with a host of new features. Samsung Galaxy A6 (2018) running One UI Being a beta firmware, you should be forewarned that it may be unstable and contain bugs, so it's no recommended to install on your daily driver phone. Via

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Smartwatch market grew to record size in 2018, Apple rules half of it

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This Phone Has a Massive 18,000mAh Battery

Avenir Telecom launched an Energizer branded smartphone with a massive 18,000 man battery.

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Nokia 9 PureView goes on sale in the US on March 3 with $100 discount, Europe in April

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vivo iQOO photos surface, pricing leaks too

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2019 Indian Roadmaster Elite Revealed

olaris-owned American bike maker Indian Motorcycles has revealed the 2019 Roadmaster Elite. Much like last year's model, the 2019 Indian Roadmaster Elite gets the super luxurious treatment in its...

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Chrome Canary Now Allows Webpages to Render in Dark Mode

You can try the new dark mode feature for yourself on Chrome Canary for Android

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Xiaomi's Black Shark Gaming Smartphone Company Finally Enters India

Xiaomi Black Shark is setting up its India operations and will be launching its products here, soon.

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Xiaomi Mi 9 SE goes on sale in China tomorrow

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Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1 Starts Receiving Android 9 Pie Beta in India

Asus has announced that the beta testing of Android 9 Pie update for ZenFone Max Pro M1 is now open.

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Porsche Is Testing Autonomous Driving Technology In Its Workshop

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Ferrari F8 Tributo Revealed Ahead Of The Geneva Motor Show

The Ferrari F8 Tributo will replace the 488 GTB in the Italian supercar maker's portfolio.

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2019 Geneva: Honda e Prototype Revealed Ahead Of Public Debut

Hondas new urban electric vehicle will be previewed at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show in the form of the Honda e Prototype. Designed to meet the needs of the modern lifestyle, the Honda e...

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Mahle Opens New Engineering, IT & Sales Shared Service Centres In Pune

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Honor Magic 2 3D coming soon with a structured light 3D scanner

The Honor Magic 2 3D will add a structured light 3D scanner to the formula of the original Honor Magic 2, which already had two 2MP depth sensors on the front in addition to the 16MP selfie camera. The 3D scanner will track 10,000 points and, unlike the depth sensors, will work even in the dark. The extra biometric security that it offers will be used to guard AliPay, Alibaba's mobile payment platform (currently the largest of its kind). The Honor Magic 2 3D will use the same Kirin 980 chipset, but the addition of a graphene cooling pad will help it maintain its performance for longer...

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Apple Watch Captures Half of Global Smartwatch Market in Q4 2018

Apple captured 51 percent share of a record 18 million smartwatch shipments worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2018, a new report has said.

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IRCTC Launches Payment Aggregator iPay

IRCTC says, "With the launch of IRCTC iPay, the passengers will not need any third-party platforms."

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ISRO to Launch Nearly 30 Satellites in March on New PSLV Rocket

"It is a special mission for us. We will be using a PSLV rocket with four strap-on motors," K. Sivan, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) told IANS.

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Some Facebook Content Reviewers in India Complain About Pay, Pressure

Seven content reviewers at Genpact said in interviews late last year and early in 2019 that their work was underpaid, stressful and sometimes traumatic.

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Redmi Note 7 Pro vs Redmi Note 6 Pro: What's New and Different

The Redmi Note 7 Pro sees an upgrade in display, processor, and camera when compared with its predecessor Redmi Note 6 Pro.

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Ducati to conduct DRE racetrack training in India

Ducati has announced that it will be launching the Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) racetrack training programme in India. This announcement comes shortly after Gurvinder Singh and Anand Dharmaraj were certified as DRE racetrack instructors after undergoing a training programme that was held in Thailand. Both, Gurvinder and Anand will spearhead the DRE racetrack training that will be held in India.

Gurvinder is a multiple-time JK Tyre Superbike Championship winner who became the first rider to win the Championship on a stock Panigale V4 last year. Anand, meanwhile, is the chief trainer for Bengaluru-based Indimotard TWO track school and has a lot of track time in his possession. Ducati has also said that it will host one-on-one training sessions for those owners who wish to better their track riding skills even further.

Sergi Canovas, managing director for Ducati India, said “It gives us immense pleasure to announce the start of the DRE Racetrack programme, and becoming one of the first luxury motorcycle brands in India to do so. We’re committed towards providing the best adrenaline-pumping experiences for our Ducatisti and after announcing the Ducati Race Cup, Ducati India is working hard to develop this sport in India.”

We were part of the first DRE track day in India where Alessandro Valia, Ducati’s chief test rider, was the instructor. To read all about it click HERE.

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Meizu Note 9 appears in live photos

Meizu is making the Note 9 (alternatively known as M9 Note) official on March 6, but the phone already leaked in hands-on photos in Chinese websites. We know what the phone will look like, thanks to the TENAA listing, but this is the first time we see it in real life. The Note 9 will be the first Meizu with a waterdrop notch, while the back panel is made of glass as is the norm with most phones these days. Meizu Note 9 The company was known for doing its own things with 12-LED flash or dual-screen flagships, but now the midranger will look like every other Xiaomi Redmi...

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TikTok Crosses 1-Billion Downloads Milestone on Android, iOS: Sensor Tower

ByteDance's TikTok App has hit another major milestone with more than one billion worldwide downloads on the App Store and Google Play.

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Telcos Bet on Connecting Everything to Recoup 5G Costs

Operators are striding towards a future with data speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G networks and billions of connected devices.

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CFMoto 650 MT Spotted With Camouflage In India

The Chinese middleweight adventure tourer is likely to be launched in India, along with the company's 250 cc roadster.

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BMW And Daimler AG Joins Hands To Develop Self-Driving Cars

German high-end car giants BMW and Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler AG said on Thursday they would work together to develop automated driving and driver assistance systems, the latest cooperation for the...

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Redmi Note 7 Pro vs Redmi Note 7: What's the Difference

Redmi Note 7 Pro price in India starts at Rs. 13,999 for the 4GB RAM/ 64GB storage variant, while its 6GB RAM/ 128GB storage model comes with a price tag of Rs. 16,999.

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Jaguar XE facelift revealed

Jaguar has decided to add a host of mid-life improvements and upgrades to its smallest XE sedan, a generous dose of which are adopted from the I-Pace. The move is aimed at boosting recent disappointment in sales as compared with dominant German rivals.

The new XE gets a more assertive face plus snappier rear styling to match. There’s also a plusher and significantly better-equipped interior and a package of driver-oriented instruments, controls and technology originally brought to market by Jaguar’s all-electric I-Pace.

Jaguar has removed a classic entry-level variant from its XE range. Every model now gets 18-inch (or larger) wheels along with LED headlights and tail-lights. There’s an elegant steering wheel – the same wheel introduced on the I-Pace – and every XE gets front and rear parking aids, and a reverse camera. The car also gets a gearstick to work its standard automatic transmission instead of a twist-selector – a testament to its more clearly defined sporting nature.

Work on the new XE refresh began around a year after the current model was launched, in mid-2015. Adam Hatton, head of exterior design, has said that the goal of the newest XE was to enhance the model's frontal features, with rear modifications to match – so that apertures are bigger and graphical facets are bolder – using elements that allude to the F-Type sports car. New all-LED headlights now incorporate a strong but subtle J-blade daytime-running light, and the headlights are around 12mm narrower than before.

The XE will be offered in either standard or sportier R-Dynamic body designs. The latter are clearly distinguished by rear and frontal features that look different but are similar to manufacture and fit. Each of the two is body designs is available in S, SE and HSE trim levels. People from Jaguar's marketing division reckon this system offers a continuing comprehensive choice, while at the same time reducing the chance of confusing buyers.

In addition to the model and trim selection, owners will get to choose engines and option packs. The XE engine options have been reduced and refined. Buyers still decide from a range of diesel and petrol 2.0-litre Ingenium units but previous choices which weren't that popular have been eliminated from the list. On the petrol side, buyers now decide between 250hp and 300hp units (the quicker of which gives the car a 0-100kph acceleration time of under 6sec). The new XE isn't all about performance, though. Jaguar will continues to offer its base 2.0-litre D180 rear-drive model, which packs 430Nm of torque yet returns a combined fuel consumption of 24.5kpl.

The biggest changes to the XE are in the front cabin, courtesy Jaguar's head of interior design, Alister Whelan. Trim materials have been comprehensively upgraded and attractive upholstery stitching has been added and improved. New materials – like a luxurious quilted seat option – have been added.

Hard plastics inside the car have been replaced, even in the most discreet places. You can now get an XE with three comprehensive TFT screens across its fascia – again, along the lines of the I-Pace – complete with Jaguar’s prominent twin console-mounted twist controls that light up to operate ventilation and infotainment. Jaguar’s camera-based ClearSight rear-view mirror can also be had as an option, at the expense of a much larger roof-mounted ‘shark fin’.

Overall, the XE has been modernised and improved in visual impact. In its higher-spec guises, the car is now nothing less than a baby luxury sedan; while even its near-standard models make for a very well-equipped car. Jaguar expects buyers to be attracted by the XE’s enhanced value. To illustrate this, a D180 in R-Dynamic guise is cheaper than the outgoing R-Sport equivalent – and that’s prior to adding tons of extra equipment.

“We all love the XE,” said Jaguar design director Ian Callum. “It’s great to see it taking Jaguar back to where it belongs.”

Also see:

Jaguar XE facelift image gallery

2017 Jaguar XE diesel review, test drive

Jaguar XE 25t Portfolio India review, test drive

Jaguar considering all-new sedan line-up

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Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP bikes sport Indian tricolour

The Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP bikes flaunted the Indian tricolour along with ‘India’ and ‘The Call of the Blue’ decals at the Qatar test. This was done by Yamaha India in order to promote the company’s ongoing brand campaign – The Call of the Blue – it introduced in the Indian market last year.

These India-specific decals were stuck on both sides of the visor of both the 2019 YZR-M1s only for the duration of the Qatar test. Yamaha also got the riders to apply the decals onto their race machines for photos. While speaking about the association, Motofumi Shitara, chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies, said, “The patronage in Qatar Moto GP test that has featured The Call of the Blue logo on the YZR-M1 is profound for Indian customers and stakeholders, and Yamaha will continue to build up avenues of representing India in the MotoGP in future.”

Both, the YZR-M1s also went through considerable styling changes for 2019, as part of the new tie-up with Monster Energy. There is a huge change in the colour scheme of the race bike; part of the front-end, fairing and tail has now gone black. These black sections, as one would expect, have the Monster logo on them in its signature fluorescent green. Vinales has also opted to use the number 12 for 2019. Rossi, meanwhile, continues to use 46 as his number.

Also see:

2019 Yamaha YZR-M1 unveiled in Jakarta 

Yamaha Japan museum experience

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PhotoGallery: Citroen C3 Aircross image gallery

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Pininfarina Teases The Battista Electric Hypercar Ahead Of Geneva Motor Show Reveal

Automobili Pininfarinas luxury electric hypercar, Battista, will be revealed in three different beautiful specifications at the world premiere in Geneva. The company will present two examples of the...

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Asus ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1660 Ti OC 6GB Review

Asus ROG Strix GeForce GTX 1660 Ti is a premium graphics card that targets gamers who want value without paying extra for the GeForce RTX ray tracing features.

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Samsung Galaxy A90 to feature a sliding and rotating camera mechanism

We've heard that the upcoming Galaxy A90 will come with a pop-up selfie cam from different sources so perhaps they are right. However, newly surfaced information suggests that Samsung is maybe trying to spice things up. After all, pop-up cameras are starting to become mainstream these days. According to new and yet unconfirmed but seemingly reliable source, #Samsung #GalaxyA90 will come with a sliding and rotating camera system (kinda mix between Oppo Find X and Oppo N1 systems) which allows the camera to be used as front and rear camera depending its position......

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Lenovo Z6 Pro to Launch in June With 5G Support, HyperVision Camera

Lenovo Z6 Pro will launch in June with 5G support and a HyperVision camera, the company's VP revealed at a presentation during Mobile World Congress 2019, in Barcelona.

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Tata H7X likely to feature rotary gear selector, electronic parking brake

Tata Motors has been drip-feeding info about its 2019 Geneva motor show line-up over the past week. The latest teaser image shows a Jaguar Land Rover-like rotary gear selector and an electronic parking brake. While the teaser does not throw light on the Tata model in question, it’s safe to assume it’s the H7X SUV. The H7X, is in essence, the seven-seat version of the Tata Harrier.

A longer rear overhang and third row of seats aside, the H7X will also differ to the current Harrier in its mechanicals. The H7X will feature a higher-powered (near 170hp) version of the 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel engine and will also debut a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The teaser suggests the automatic will feature the distinctive rotary gear selector popularised by Jaguar Land Rover cars. On JLR cars, the gear selector rises when the engine is switched on, better known as the ‘Jaguar handshake’. The electric parking brake switch visible in the picture suggests the feature will also be part of the equipment on the H7X.

The H7X will be joined by the Altroz premium hatchback, the 45X-based EV hatchback concept and an all-new Hornbill micro SUV concept at the Geneva Motor show 2019.

Also see:

Refreshed Tata Hexa launched at Rs 14.38 lakh

7-seat Tata Harrier (H7X) teased ahead of Geneva unveil

Tata developing Creta-sized ‘Blackbird’ SUV

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Ferrari F8 Tributo revealed ahead of Geneva debut

Ferrari has revealed the replacement for the 488 GTB before its scheduled debut at the 2019 Geneva motor show, the F8 Tributo. The two-seater supercar is powered by the same award-winning twin-turbo V8 motor found in its predecessor, but tuned to produce 50hp more. The Ferrari F8 Tributo also features a number of changes outside and inside, when compared to the 488 GTB.

Due to the uprated 3.9-litre V8 engine, which now makes 720hp and 770Nm of peak torque (an increase of 10Nm over the 488 GTB), the F8 Tributo is the fastest mid-engined Ferrari yet. Ferrari claims a 0-100kph time of 2.9 seconds (a reduction of 0.1s) and a 0-200kph time of 7.8 seconds, along with a top speed of 340kph.

In addition to the increase in output, these performance figures are obtained thanks to a weight reduction of 40kg and a 15 percent increase in downforce, along with a claimed 10 percent improvement in aerodynamic efficiency and the latest version of Ferrari’s Side Slip Angle Control (SSAC).

While the F8 looks quite similar to the 488 GTB from the front – albeit with deeper creases and sharper headlamps – there are quite a few design cues taken from the 488 Pista. The cabin features a smaller steering wheel while the rear gets redesigned S-duct intakes.

An interesting point to note is that the name of the model, F8 Tributo, literally pays tribute to Ferrari’s V8 berlinetta models of yesteryear, underlined by the twin rear light clusters, which are a modern interpretation of those that featured on the first eight-cylinder Berlinetta, the 1975 308 GTB. The louvres on the transparent engine cover are a design reference to the Ferrari F40.

Also see:

Ferrari F8 Tributo image gallery

HOT LAP: Ferrari 488 Spider Autocar India Track Day 2018 video

2017 Ferrari 488 GTB review, road test

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Ducati Opens New Training Centre In Thailand

The state-of-the-art training facility in Rayong will impart training to more than 230 technical experts from all around the Asia Pacific region.

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Volkswagen unveils new Jetta budget car brand

Volkswagen announced recently, that it will be creating a new entry-level brand called Jetta, which will launch in China in the third quarter of 2019. VW has decided to start a new brand due to the fact that a large portion of the Chinese automotive market is in a segment below its main volume segment. Hence, the Jetta brand is being created specifically for the Chinese market so that VW can attract customers from entry-level segments (in which 80 percent of customers are first time buyers). It is worth mentioning that Volkswagen has a sedan in its international car line-up that goes by the same name as the new brand.

 The Jetta brand’s cars will be produced by the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture. FAW (First Auto Works) is a Chinese state-owned automotive company. The brand will initially offer three vehicles in its line-up, which will include one sedan and two SUVs. The sedan and one of the SUVs have already been revealed in images. The sedan appears to be a rebadged Jetta, while the SUV vaguely resembles the Seat Ateca. According to VW, by the end of the year, Jetta is expected to have around 200 dealerships in China.

At this point, VW has not announced if any of the cars will be electric, though in all likelihood an electric car will be offered by Jetta as the Chinese government requires companies to make and sell a certain percentage of zero-emission vehicles.

Volkswagen has not made any statement regarding launching the entry-level Jetta brand in any other markets apart from China. Volkswagen has, however, recently launched an improved after sales package in India to provide its customers with added piece of mind.

Also see:

Hotter Volkswagen T-Roc R SUV revealed

Volkswagen reveals ID electric dune buggy

Volkswagen plans to provide its electric platform to competitors

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PhotoGallery: Ferrari F8 Tributo image gallery

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Mi TV 4A Pro 32, Mi Sports Bluetooth Earphones Basic Launched in India

Xiaomi at it Redmi Note 7 and Redmi Note 7 Pro launch event also launched two more products – the Mi TV 4A Pro 32 and the Mi Sports Bluetooth Earphones Basic.

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Redmi Note 7 Pro arrives with 48 MP camera and 128 GB storage

What a wonderful day for fans of affordable smartphones in India - first Samsung introduced the Galaxy A10 and now the Redmi Note 7 Pro officially arrives, along with the Redmi Note 7. The Pro variant is everything we expected - Snapdragon 675, 48 MP camera and up to 128 GB storage. The vanilla version, however, received a massive hit and comes with a 12 MP main shooter. Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro The Redmi Note 7 Pro chipset is coupled with octa-core CPU that goes as high as 2 GHz and comes with Adreno 612 GPU. The 48 MP sensor is Sony IMX586, which is an upgrade from the...

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Harry Potter: Wizards Unite to Launch This Summer, Warner Bros. Confirms

The game is officially called Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, and it will leverage from the AR technology used in other Niantic games like Pokemon Go and Ingress.

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Soor Is a Beautiful New App for Apple Music That's Made in India

Soor adds a bunch of features that the stock Music app lacks on iOS, and is designed from the ground up for Apple Music users.

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BSNL Discontinues 5 Long-Validity Prepaid Recharge Plans in Select Circles

The Rs. 549, Rs. 561, Rs. 2,798, Rs. 3,998, and Rs. 4,498 data-only BSNL prepaid recharge plans are still available in some circles.

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Star Trek: Discovery Renewed for Season 3, Adds a New Showrunner

Star Trek: Discovery has been renewed for a third season, CBS All Access announced Wednesday. Michelle Paradise is joining Alex Kurtzman as co-showrunner.

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Redmi Note 7 With Dual Rear Cameras, 4,000mAh Battery Launched in India

Redmi Note 7 has finally been launched in India. Redmi Note 7 price in India will start at Rs. 9,999.

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Spotify vs Apple Music, Gaana, and Others: How Does It Compare?

Spotify has lots of nice features but it is one of the most expensive music streaming services in India. We've compared its features against other streaming services to help you decide which one to...

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Redmi Note 7 Pro With 48-Megapixel Camera, Snapdragon 675 Launched in India

Redmi Note 7 Pro is here. The Redmi Note 7 Pro price in India has been set starting Rs. 13,999.

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New Honda CR-V gets five-star Euro NCAP rating

The results of the latest Euro NCAP safety tests revealed that the new Honda CR-V was awarded a five-star rating, bringing the new CR-V into the Honda fold. The Jazz, HR-V and Civic were all awarded the highest possible five-star score by Euro NCAP.

The CR-V has a unique body structure that provides class-leading rigidity and stiffness. The model also comes with a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies.

Utilising an ‘All Directions Collision Safety’ concept, the model's platform design incorporates Honda’s next-generation ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure. This update employs a network of connected structural elements to distribute collision energy more evenly, which helps reduce the forces transferred to the passenger cell when an impact occurs; thus providing superior front, side and rear crash-worthiness.

The passive safety features seen in the all-new CR-V are complemented by the Honda Sensing suite, which consists of active safety and driver-assist technologies. Honda Sensing is among the most comprehensive suites of safety technologies available in its class. The suite uses a combination of radar and camera information in conjunction with a host of high-tech sensors to warn and assist the driver of potentially dangerous scenarios.

According to the Euro NCAP report, "The passenger compartment of the CR-V remained stable in the frontal offset test. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of the driver and passenger." In addition, the protection of the passenger dummy was "good for all critical body areas." The report went on to say that in the full-width rigid barrier test, protection of the driver and rear passenger was "good or adequate for all critical body areas."

Many whiplash injuries in car accidents are caused at low speeds, typical of city driving. To this end, the standard-fit autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system "performed well in tests at the low speeds."

The frontal offset test, indicated "marginal protection of the neck" for the 10-year-old dummy, while the protection of both dummies was "good or adequate". Meanwhile, the car scored the maximum possible points in the side barrier test, during which all critical body areas were well-protected.

The front passenger airbag of the CR-V can be disabled for a rearward-facing child restraint. The NCAP report also appreciate that the system provides clear information to the driver with respect to the status of the airbag, which boosted the CR-V's rating. The Honda's optional third-row seats also had restraints that "could be properly installed and accommodated."

While dummy readings  indicated "marginal protection of the chest" during the more severe side pole impact test, tests on the front seats and head restraints indicated that they provided "good protection against whiplash injury" during a rear-end collision. "However, a geometric assessment of the rear seats indicated poor whiplash protection," the Euro NCAP report went on to say.

Also see:

2018 Honda CR-V India review, test drive

2018 Honda CR-V price, features explained

Honda India announces price hike from February 1

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Samsung Galaxy A10 is now official

Samsung announced the Galaxy A30 and Galaxy A50 right in time for MWC 2019, but today the company also introduced the most affordable device from the A series - the Galaxy A10. The device will have basic specs like Exynos 7884 chipset and 2 GB RAM, and there is only one camera on the back. The screen on the Galaxy A10 is an Infinity-V display with 6.2" HD+ panel. The chipset is an Exynos 7884 which is a rare platform even for Samsung smartphones - we've seen it only once in a device called Galaxy J3 V. It has two performance Cortex-A73 cores at 1.35 GHz and six more Cortex-A53...

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