Thieves stole 436 iPhones worth Rs 4.10 crore from an Apple Store in the US
They tunneled through a neighboring coffee shop’s bathroom in a heist reminiscent of a Hollywood movie
Suspicions of an inside job have arisen due to the speed and precision of the burglary
A daring heist that could have been lifted from a Hollywood movie recently took place at an Apple Store in the US. In a scene straight out of ‘Ocean’s Eleven’, thieves tunneled into the store through a neighboring coffee shop’s bathroom and made off with 436 iPhones worth a staggering Rs 4.10 crore. Also Read | Emergency Situation? Apple Watch Ultra Siren Feature Comes Handy! How To Use?
The Heist
Seattle’s local news channel, King 5 News, reported that the thieves gained access to the backroom of the Apple Store through the bathroom. They managed to bypass the store’s security system, and surveillance footage reportedly shows them entering and exiting the coffee shop in less than 15 minutes. They stole 436 iPhones worth around $500,000 i.e., around Rs 4.10 crore.
Mike Atkinson, the CEO of Seattle Coffee Gear, shared an image on Twitter that allegedly shows the damage caused in the bathroom after the burglars broke in by cutting a hole in the wall.
Good morning Twitter fans! Yesterday was a weird day…
1. Two men broke into one of our retail locations. Why? To cut a hole in our bathroom wall to access the Apple Store next door and steal $500k worth of Iphones🙄
The CEO of the coffee appliance store, Mike Atkinson, and others have suspected an inside job due to the speed and precision with which the crime was carried out. The police are investigating the incident, and the Alderwood Mall, where the stores are located, is cooperating with the authorities.
Repercussions
Seattle Coffee Gear reportedly spent almost $900 on replacing their locks, and they estimate that the repairs to the damaged bathroom will cost between $600 and $800. Meanwhile, Apple has not commented on the theft, as the company has a policy of not discussing store thefts.
This daring heist is a reminder that crime can imitate art and shows how creative and resourceful thieves can get in their methods. The incident has also highlighted the importance of maintaining security measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
GIGABYTE’s AERO and AORUS series feature NVIDIA RTX40 graphics and 13th Gen Intel Core processors.
GIGABYTE’s WINDFORCE Cooling technology ensures 100% CPU and GPU usage on the G5 KF and G5 MF laptops.
Prices for the AEROS, AERO, and G5 series start from Rs 1,11,999, Rs 1,51,999, and Rs 90,999, respectively.
Gigabyte has unveiled new high-performance laptops in India designed for gamers which are packed with advanced hardware, including Nvidia RTX40 series GPUs, 13th Gen Intel processors, and more. Gigabyte has expanded on its AORUS, AERO, and G5 series which promises to deliver unparalleled performance and immersive gaming experience. Here’s a closer look at each of them.
17.3-inch and 15.6-inch, QHD resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, TÜV Rheinland low blue light certified
Cooling System
Six heat pipes, three powerful fans, ultra-thin thermal fins, and thin blades
Design
Spatial design inspired by Echoes of the Abyss, RGB lightbar, all-body metal design
Keyboard
Three-zone RGB keyboard
Connectivity
Thunderbolt 4 ports
Other Features
MUX Switch technology for easy graphics card output mode switching, Gigabyte Control Center, AI-eyecare technology, Windows 11 Home out of the box
The AORUS range is composed of four distinct models, namely the AORUS 17 BSF, AORUS 15 BKF, AORUS 15 9SF, and AORUS 15 9KF. These laptops are equipped with powerful components such as the Intel Core 13th Gen i7 H series processor and Nvidia RTX4070 GPU. The AORUS 17 and 15 models offer QHD resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate on their 17.3 and 15.6-inch displays, respectively.
The AORUS series features an eye-catching design inspired by Echoes of the Abyss, which includes an RGB lightbar and a full-body metal build. Other notable features of the AORUS laptops are a three-zone RGB keyboard, an exclusive Gigabyte Control Center, AI-eyecare technology, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and other features. Both laptops come with Windows 11 Home pre-installed.
2 x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 1, 3.5mm headphone jack, and more
Weight
1.4 kg
The AERO series comprises of two models, namely the AERO 14 OLED BMF and AERO 14 OLED BKF, featuring the Nvidia RTX4050 GPU and Intel Core 13th Gen i7 H series processor. Moreover, the AERO 14 OLED series comes with Nvidia Studio certification for improved and sustained performance.
With a 2.8K QHD+ HDR thin-bezel OLED display, the AERO 14 offers a colour calibration certification and Pantone validation. The screen contains 5,484,000 autonomous LED pixels, supporting a 16:10 aspect ratio and a 100% DCI-P3 cinema-grade colour gamut. Furthermore, the AERO OLED is TrueBlack certified and TÜV Rheinland Eyesafe 2.0 certified.
The AERO OLED has a Gen 4 SSD and weighs around 1.4 kg. The laptop supports Wi-fi 6E and has a 65Wh battery capacity that can last up to 7.5 hrs. It also includes various ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.2 Gen 1, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and more.
DTS Ultra, Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation microphones
Keyboard
15 preset color options
GIGABYTE’s G5 series includes two models: the G5 KF and the G5 MF, which come equipped with the latest Nvidia Geforce RTX4060 and RTX4050, respectively. The G5 KF runs on the 12th gen Intel Core i5-12550H processor, while the G5 MF is powered by the 12450H processor. To ensure optimal performance, both laptops are equipped with AI-powered DLSS-3 and GIGABYTE’s WINDFORCE Cooling technology, consisting of 4 exhaust vents, 4 heat pipes, and 2 59-blade fans.
The G5 series features a lightweight and thin Mecha pattern design, along with a 144Hz display to provide stunning visuals. The laptops come with Wi-Fi 6E, DTS Ultra for a surround sound experience, and Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation microphones to ensure clear audio input and output. Additionally, the G5 series laptops come with 15 preset colour options for the keyboard.
GIGABYTE AERO, AOROS Series Premium Gaming Laptops: Price and Availability
Gigabyte has confirmed that the AEROS series, AERO series, and G-5 series will be available in India from May via leading e-commerce marketplaces like Flipkart and Amazon. As for pricing, the G5 series starts from Rs 90,999, the AEROS series starts from Rs 1,11,999, and the AERO series starts from Rs 1,51,999.
Asus, the Taiwanese tech giant has launched a new range of business series laptops in India. The brand has now refreshed its portfolio with the Asus ExpertBook B1402 and B1502 business laptops with some premium-end features such as Intel 12th Gen Core i3/ Core i5/ Core i7 chipsets, integrated Intel UHD graphics, backlit keyboard, and more. Let’s dive into the Asus ExpertBook B1402, B1502 specifications, features, and pricing details in India:
Asus ExpertBook B1402, B1502 Business Laptops Key Specifications And Features
Asus ExpertBook B1402, B1502
Key Specifications
Display
14-inch, 15-inch options
Processor
12the Gen Intel Core i3, i5, i7
Graphics
Integrated Intel UHD, Intel XE
Battery
42Wh
Fast Charging
65W
Asus ExpertBook B1 Series Display
Asus ExpertBook B1 series
14-inch Variant
15.6-inch Variant
Option 1
LED backlit with 768 x 1366 pixels resolution
LED backlit with 768 x 1366 pixels resolution
Option 2
LED-backlit with FHD resolution
LED-backlit with FHD resolution
Option 3
TN display with FHD resolution
TN display with FHD resolution
The Asus ExpertBook B1 series (B1402 and B1502) business laptops are available with multiple screen options. These two laptops are announced with as many as six different screen options. The ExpertBook B1402 laptop can be purchased with a 14-inch LED-backlit display with a 768 x 1366 pixels HD resolution, a LED-backlit screen with FHD resolution, and a FHD TN display model. These same resolution options are released for the Asus ExpertBook B1502 but with a larger 15.6-inch screen size.
ExpertBook B1 Series Processor, Graphics, Configuration
Processor
Asus B1402
Asus B1502
Option 1
12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U
12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U
Option 2
12th Intel Core i5-1235U
12th Intel Core i5-1235U
Option 3
12th Intel Core i7 1255U
12th Intel Core i7 1255U
Speaking of the graphics, the Asus ExpertBook B1402 and the B1502 business laptops are available with different chipset and configuration options. Both the premium range business laptops have been announced with 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U, Core i5-1235U, and Core i7 1255U processor options.
Out of these three variants, the Core i3 model will be packed with Intel UHD graphics, while the remaining two Core i5 and Core i7 models will be integrated with Intel XE graphics.
Asus ExpertBook B1 Series Connectivity, Other Key Features
Asus ExperBook B1 Laptops
B1402
B1502
Wireless networks
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
Ports
single HDMI 1.4 port, two USB Type-A ports, one USB Type 2.0 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, two USB Type-C ports, a 3.5 mm headphone jack 2.0 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, two USB Type-C ports, a 3.5 mm headphone jack
single HDMI 1.4 port, two USB Type-A ports, one USB Type 2.0 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, two USB Type-C ports, a 3.5 mm headphone jack
Keyboard
Backlit
Backlit
Fingerprint scanner
Yes
Yes
Speaking of the connectivity aspects on the Asus ExpertBook B1402 and B1502, there is a W-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 wireless network support. The ports present on both new Asus B1 series business laptops include a single HDMI 1.4 port, two USB Type-A ports, one USB Type 2.0 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, two USB Type-C ports, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and one RJ45 ethernet port.
Other notable features offered by the new range of Asus B1 series business laptops include a backlit keyboard with multi-touch trackpad and virtual numeric pad. Both these laptops also feature a fingerprint scanner for added security.
The Asus B1402 and B1502 business laptops are packed with a 42Wh battery unit. The battery capacity is identical on both laptop variants. Also, a 65W USB Type-C power adapter ships with the retail box for fast charging. According to Asus, both these laptops can get up to 60 percent of backup with just an 49-minutes of a plug-in.
Asus ExpertBook B1 Series Laptops Price And India Availability Details
The pricing details of the Asus ExpertBook B1402 and B1502 is not announced officially yet. However, both these business-series laptops are expected to go on sale via all major online and offline retail partner channels.
Lenovo launches Legion R9000P 2023 gaming notebook in China.
The notebook features AMD Ryzen SoC and 240Hz refresh rate.
Equipped with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, 16GB DDR5 5200 memory and 1TB SSD.
Priced at 7999 yuan in China (Rs. 95,499)
Lenovo has announced the launch of its latest gaming notebook, the Lenovo Legion R9000P 2023, in China. This notebook is an upgrade to the Legion R9000P launched last year and comes with many new features and upgrades.
The Lenovo Legion R9000P 2023 gaming notebook is yet to be launched in India, but it has already been launched in China. Indian consumers can expect the device to be available soon, with an official launch expected in the near future. The device is exclusively available to be purchased in China on Lenovo’s official website, as well as other authorized retail stores across the country.
300W, supports 140W type-C convenient fast charging and 100W PD fast charging
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6E
OS
Windows 11
The Lenovo Legion R9000P 2023 gaming notebook is powered by an AMD Ryzen R7-7745HX processor, paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, making it a high-performance machine that can handle intensive gaming sessions. It comes with 16GB DDR5 5200 memory and a 1TB solid-state drive, providing ample storage space for gamers.
The device has a 16-inch display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, which supports a 240Hz refresh rate, making it perfect for gamers who demand a smooth and seamless gaming experience. The display has a 3ms response time, 10-bit colour depth, 100% sRGB colour gamut, ΔE<2, 500 nits brightness, and supports HDR 400, G-SYNC, and FreeSync Premium. It also supports Dolby Vision and DC dimming without flicker.
The Lenovo Legion R9000P 2023 gaming notebook comes with the Frost Blade Pro cooling system 5.0, which includes a 3D Mesh composite main heat pipe, a 3D Blade Falcon fan, a multi-zone air inlet and outlet system, and 5× high-performance composite heat pipes, ensuring that the device stays cool even during intense gaming sessions.
The Lenovo Legion R9000P 2023 gaming notebook is priced at 7999 yuan (approx Rs. 95,499) in China, making it a premium device aimed at serious gamers who demand the best performance from their gaming laptops.
OnePlus Pad 5G pre-orders starts April 28 in India
Could cost under Rs. 35,000 price range
Competes against the likes of the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro (2nd Gen), Tab P11 5G
Will also face competition from Xiaomi Pad 5 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE
OnePlus Pad 5G has undeniably become the most popular flagship-grade Android tablet even before its availability in the Indian market. Multiple leaks and rumors are popping up suggesting the pricing details as well as the availability of the OnePlus Pad 5G in the country. Just a few days ago, a tipster hinted the pricing details of the OnePlus Pad following which another report surfaced suggesting the pre-orders to commence from April 28 in India.
While OnePlus Pad 5G is one of the best premium mid-tier options for tablet users in the country, there are a bunch of other options too that makes for the OnePlus Pad 5G top alternatives. If you don’t wish to wait for the OnePlus Pad 5G’s availability and need a powerful tablet for your professional and daily tasks then we have listed down the options that you can consider. Take a look:
One of the most powerful Android tablets with added accessories such as Precision Pen 3 Stylus pen and detachable keyboard, the Lenovo Tab P11 Pro (2nd Gen) becomes one of the strongest contenders against the OnePlus Pad 5G. Its key features and specs are listed below:
Flaunts a 11.2-inch OLED screen with 1536 x 2560 pixels resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+
Is powered by the octa-core MediaTek Kompanio 1300T chipset with Mali-G77 MC9 GPU
Runs on Android 12 OS
Imaging setup includes a 13MP f/2.4 main rear camera and an 8MP selfie lens
Is packed with a 8,200 mAh battery unit aided by 20W fast charging support
The Xiaomi Pad 5 series has been one of the best options for tablet users in India and the global markets. While the brand has introduced the successor of this lineup called the Pad 6 series, the existing variants still offer a lot in terms of features and performance.
Packs an IPS LCD display measuring 11 inches with 1600 x 2560 pixels resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, and HDR10 support
Gets its power from the octa-core Snapdragon 860 mobile chipset clubbed with Adreno 640 GPU
Has Android 11 OS pre-installed with a custom MIUI interface which is upgradable to Android 13 OS
Optics hardware include a single 13MP f/2.0 back camera and an 8MP f/2.0 selfie kens
Uses an 8,720 mAh battery unit combined with 33W fast charging
Lenovo Tab P11 series has several models that makes for best OnePlus Pad 5G alternative in India. The Lenovo Tab P11 5G‘s spec-sheet is highlighted below:
Features an 11-inch IPS LCD display which supports a 1200 x 2000 pixels resolution and Dolby Vision support
Uses an octa-core Snapdragon 750G gaming chipset under the hood with Adreno 619 GPU
Imaging setup comprises a single 13MP rear camera with AF and an 8MP selfie lens
Has Android 11 OS pre-installed
A 7,700 mAh battery with 20W fast charging keeps the lights on
Game Master Pro 2.0, VRR, and FreeSync Premium Pro for a seamless gaming experience
AiPQ Processor 3.0 for superior image optimization
Available in four sizes: 55-in, 65-in, 75-in, and 85-in; price and availability in India yet to be announced.
TCL has launched its latest C84 TV series in the European market. The flagship model of this series is available in four different sizes – 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch. While the TV is not yet available in India, it is expected to launch soon.
Specs & Features
TCL C84 4K Mini LED TV
Display Resolution
4K (3840 x 2160)
Display Technology
Mini LED
Refresh Rate
144Hz
HDR
HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Brightness
2000 nits
Audio
2.1 channel ONKYO sound
Gaming Features
Game Master Pro 2.0, VRR, FreeSync Premium Pro
HDMI Port
HDMI 2.1
Smart TV Features
Google TV, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple AirPlay 2, Apple HomeKit
Available Sizes
55-in, 65-in, 75-in, 85-in
TCL C84 4K Mini LED TV: Specs & Features
The TCL C84 TV comes with a 4K Mini LED display with a native 144 Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ certified and supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Vision IQ, providing an unmatched visual experience with excellent clarity, contrast, and color accuracy. With a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits, the C84 series is one of the brightest TVs available in the market.
The TCL C84 TV series features a 2.1 channel ONKYO sound system, providing a truly immersive audio experience. It uses the Google TV interface, enabling voice commands via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. You can stream content from popular apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, or cast from your iPhone or iPad using AirPlay 2. It also supports Apple HomeKit for seamless integration with other smart home devices.
The TCL C84 is equipped with Game Master Pro 2.0, VRR, and FreeSync Premium Pro, which optimize the frame rate, ensuring a smooth and lag-free gaming experience. The TV also features an HDMI 2.1 port, ALLM, and a 240 Hz Game Accelerator, which enhances the refresh rate and reduces latency.
TCL C84 4K Mini LED TV: Price & Availability
While there is no official word on the price of the TCL C84 TV series in India, it is expected to be competitively priced, given the features and specifications it offers. As for availability, TCL is expected to launch the TV series in India soon, making it available for purchase online and through its authorized dealers and retailers.
Wings Phantom 380 TWS Gaming Buds available for Rs.1,799 on Amazon & Flipkart.
Designed for gaming with low latency and touch controls.
Priced above Mivi Duopods K7 but offers superior sound and gaming features.
The two contenders for the title of the best budget TWS under Rs. 2,000 are the Wings Phantom 380 TWS Gaming Buds and the Mivi Duopds K7. Both earbuds offer excellent value for their price, but how do they compare in terms of design, sound quality, battery life, connectivity, and controls?
Let’s take a closer look and see which one comes out on top.
Wings Phantom 380 TWS Gaming Buds Vs Mivi Duopds K7: Specs & Features
Features
Wings Phantom 380 TWS
Mivi Duopods K7
Noise Cancellation
Active (up to 30dB)
Dual Mic ENC
Battery Life
Up to 50 hours
Up to 28 hours
Bluetooth Version
5.2
5.3
Wireless Range
10m
10m
Voice Assistance
Yes (Wings Sync App)
Yes
Connector Type
USB Type-C
No
Gaming Mode
Yes (Triple tap earbud)
Yes (Triple tap earbud)
The Wings Phantom 380 TWS Gaming Buds comes with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, external noise can be reduced up to 30dB, ensuring uninterrupted audio.
Additionally, its Transparent Mode allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your audio. The Wings Sync App provides several customization options to enhance your audio experience, allowing you to locate your earbuds, customize touch controls, and change the blinking patterns. The Phantom 380 also features a Quad ENC Mic, providing clear and stable calls, even in noisy environments.
The Wings Phantom 380 TWS Gaming Buds offer impressive battery life, providing up to 50 hours of total playtime. With 10 hours of earbuds playtime without ANC and up to 35 hours of total playtime including 7 hours of earbuds playtime with ANC.
On the other hand, Mivi Duopds K7 are equipped with Artificial Intelligence enabled ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation), which enhances call clarity. The Swift charging feature allows for a quick charge, with just 10 minutes of charge providing up to 500 minutes of playtime.
The earbuds come with a Type-C cable for easy charging. The Duopods K7 also features a gaming mode that can be activated by triple-tapping the left earbud, making it a good option for gamers. Additionally, the earbuds offer voice assistance, which can be activated by triple-tapping the right earbud.
The earbuds do not have a connector type, and use Bluetooth version 5.3 with a wireless range of 10 meters. Overall, the Mivi Duopods K7 is a decent option for those looking for budget-friendly TWS earbuds with decent features.
In terms of pricing, both earbuds offer excellent value for their price. The Wings Phantom 380 TWS Gaming Buds are priced at Rs. 2,999 which can be purchased at just Rs.1,799 on Amazon, while the Mivi Duopds K7 is priced at Rs. 1,499 and can be purchased at just Rs.999 on various online platform.
Overall, both earbuds are excellent options for anyone looking for a budget TWS earbud. The Wings Phantom 380 is priced slightly higher than the Mivi Duopods K7, but offers better sound quality and gaming features.
Also, the Wings Phantom 380 TWS Gaming Buds are a great option for gamers who prioritize bass, while the Mivi Duopds K7 offers a more balanced sound signature and a more comfortable fit. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you prioritize in a TWS earbud.
HONOR launching MagicBook X 14 & 16 2023 in India.
Equipped with 12th Gen Intel H series processors.
Long-lasting 60Wh battery with up to 12 hours of video playback.
14-inch and 16-inch HONOR Full HD Display with ultra-slim bezels.
Available exclusively on Amazon with Special Launch Offers starting from INR 48990.
HONOR has announced the launch of its latest laptops, the MagicBook X 14 2023 and MagicBook X 16 2023, in India. The laptops come equipped with the 12th Generation Intel Core i5-12450H Processor, a 14-inch and 16-inch Full HD Display, and a 60Wh battery.
The HONOR MagicBook X 14 and HONOR MagicBook X 16 will be available exclusively on Amazon India starting from April 21, 2023. The laptops will come with special launch offers, with prices starting from INR 48990 for a limited period.
USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI, and 3.5mm headphone jack
USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI, and 3.5mm headphone jack
The HONOR MagicBook X 14 2023 comes with a slim design measuring 16.5mm and weighs only 1.4kg. It features a 14-inch HONOR Full HD Display with ultra-slim 4.5mm bezels on both sides, with an impressive screen-to-body ratio of 88%.
The HONOR MagicBook X 16 2023, on the other hand, comes with a larger 16-inch HONOR Full HD Display and a screen-to-body ratio of 89%. Both models come in stunning Space Gray color.
Under the hood, both laptops are powered by a 12th Generation Intel Core i5-12450H Processor with 8 Cores & 12 Threads and a Max Speed of 4.4 GHz which enables a 30% higher performance. They also come packed with a long-lasting 60Wh battery that delivers up to 12 hours of local 1080P video playback and up to 9 hours of daily work.
In terms of storage, the HONOR MagicBook X 14 and HONOR MagicBook X 16 models are equipped with 8GB RAM with 256GB & 16 GB with 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD storage. They also come with a 65W Type-C Multi-Device Charger that supports Fast Charging.
The HONOR MagicBook X 14 and HONOR MagicBook X 16 will be available in two variants of 8GB / 512GB and 16GB / 512GB. Both laptops will be available exclusively on Amazon India, and prices start from INR 48990 for a limited period.
Philips launches PUF8297 Smart TV with 4K HD display.
Patented Ambient Light technology enhances the viewing experience.
Prices start at Rs. 32,000.
Philips has launched a new smart TV model in China called the PUF8297. The TV comes in four display sizes: 55 inches, 65 inches, 70 inches and 75 inches and is already up for pre-orders in China. The pricing starts at 2799 yuan (Rs. 32,000) but those who pre-order the smart TV can get a discount of between 100 yuan to 300 yuan.
Specifications
Details
Display Sizes
55 inches, 65 inches, 70 inches and 75 inches
Display Resolution
3840 x 2160 pixels
Refresh Rate
60Hz
Operating System
Android TV
Processor
Quad-core
Ambilight Technology
Yes
Smart Light Sensor
Yes
Sound System
Dual independent speakers with Dolby Atmos and ultra-wide surround sound
Philips PUF8297 Smart TV: Features and Specifications
The Philips PUF8297 Smart TV has a high-definition display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate. It is powered by a quad-core processor and runs on the Android TV operating system, providing access to a wide range of apps and streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar.
The TV also features Philips’ patented Ambilight technology, which emits a soft glow behind the TV that matches the colour of the on-screen content. In addition, it is also equipped with a smart light sensor, which supports smart light-sensing eye protection mode, which can sense changes in indoor ambient light and automatically adjust the screen brightness.
The TV boasts built-in dual independent speakers and Dolby Atmos support for immersive audio, clubbed by ultra-wide surround sound. Additionally, the new product features far-field intelligent voice control functionality, enabling users to operate the TV hands-free using voice commands.
The Philips PUF8297 Smart TV is available for pre-order in China starting at 2799 yuan (Rs. 32,000). It can be purchased from Philips’ official website as well as from online and offline retailers.
JioCinema, to charge for content, including IPL matches, from next year.
JioCinema adding 100+ films/TV series to attract viewers with diverse content options.
JioCinema to release original movies produced by Jio Studios, like Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunki and Amitabh Bachchan’s Section 84.
Reliance Industries, one of India’s largest conglomerates, is set to launch a paid subscription service for its streaming platform JioCinema. The move comes as the company seeks to expand its offerings, adding more than 100 films and TV series to its platform.
The expansion will coincide with JioCinema starting to charge for content, though the exact pricing strategy is still being finalized, according to media and content business President Jyoti Deshpande.
JioCinema’s expansion plans coincide with the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament, which has been a key driver of the platform’s popularity. Last year, Viacom18 Media, a joint venture between Paramount Global and Reliance Industries, outbid Disney and Sony Group to clinch the digital rights to the IPL, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports events.
However, starting next year, viewers will have to pay for the IPL matches they watch on JioCinema, as the platform moves to a paid subscription model.
With the expanding internet connectivity, the potential audience in India is growing exponentially, especially among the middle-class population. JioCinema drew more than 1.47 billion video views during the opening weekend of the IPL in April and had 22 million viewers for a match on Wednesday.
However, the market for streaming services in India has been hard to crack for global giants like Netflix, who have had to cut their fees to attract price-conscious users. Additionally, Indian viewers can be picky in what they watch online, with a robust local cinema-going culture.
To compete in this market, JioCinema is focusing on offering localized content, which Deshpande stated is currently dominated by Westernized content. Jio Studios wants to become a catalyst for the cross-pollination of talent, and its goal is to get as Indian as it can. The platform’s new offerings will include films and series in Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and Gujarati, covering genres from thrillers and romance to biopics. Jio Studios will also release new and original movies produced by Jio Studios like Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunki and Amitabh Bachchan’s Section 84. Jio Studios has recently announced a multi-year, multi-film collaboration with SVF Entertainment for the Bengali market.
