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Hey! Starting October 15th, Indians too could get the newly launched Amazon Fire TV Stick and the inexpensive variant Fire Stick Lite.

Accordingly, the Amazon India priced the new products Fire TV Stick and Fire Stick Lite at INR 3999 and INR 2999 respectively

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As per the latest information by Leakster John Prosser, the Google Pixel 5 could retail at $700.

Don’t know how the search engine giant will be able to justify the $200 premium for Google Pixel 5. It is to be noted that the same processor and camera setup is seen in Google Pixel 4a 5G and Google Pixel 5.

Probably, there might be some add-ons such as more RAM and inbuilt storage space for Google Pixel 5.

Let’s wait for September 30 or else get disturbed by these leaks!!!

@Mario-D-souza

Let me update this much-needed article on “BSNL Prepaid Recharge Plans for Validity Extension”

BSNL Validity Extension Prepaid Mobile Recharge Plans (Updated 2020) PV ₹186:

The PV ₹186 recharge offers unlimited voice calls in Home LSA and national roaming including MTNL network in Mumbai and Delhi telecom circles. There’s a FUP of 250 minutes per day.

Apart from voice calling, it offers unlimited 2GB daily data and 100 SMS for a period of 28 days in roaming as well. Post the FUP 2GB data, the speed is reduced to 80kbps. Free PRBT default tune can be availed.

ANANTH PLUS ₹328:

The Ananth Plus ₹328 recharge is a 3 months pack, to be more specific 84 days. It offers unlimited local and STD voice calls with a FUP of 250 min/day. The other freebies include 300 SMS and 6GB data within this period.

Make a note that these freebies and validity period is the same. That is, these can be availed as long as you have the validity.

PV_₹365:

The other popular plan is PV ₹365 that comes with a 365 days validity period. The benefits include unlimited voice calls in home, local, STD and national roaming including MTNL network in Mumbai and Delhi telecom circles.

There’s a FUP of 250 min/day on voice calls.

Apart from voice calls, the subscriber gets daily 2GB data. Post the FUP usage, the speed comes down to 80 kbps. The pack also includes 100 SMS/day that can be used while in roaming as well. As a complimentary offer, it also includes free PRBT default tune for 60 days.

The sad thing about this pack is that these freebies are limited to 60 days. You need to remember that the validity is 365 days but the freebies benefit is for 60 days.

Those who like to have a long-term validity pack for just incoming purpose can definitely go for this PV ₹365 recharge.

FRC_1499 (Bindas Bol):

The BSNL has recently launched Bindas Bol FRC that’s gaining a good appreciation among the masses. Under this FRC_1499 recharge plan, the new BSNL user gets 395 days validity.

As usual, this long-term validity pack offers unlimited voice calls both on-net and off-net. It means you can have unlimited calls in home, local, STD, national roaming including Mumbai and Delhi MTNL network. However, there is a capping of 250 min/day on calls.

The pack also offers 24GB data and 100 SMS/day. You will also get a free PRBT default tune with unlimited song change option.

Unfortunately, these freebies are just limited to 90 days. Post the 90 days, you’ll only have the incoming facility. For the outgoing and data benefits, you need to recharge separately.

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PV_1999:

The PV_₹1999 is yet another long-term pack with 439 days validity period. The subscriber gets unlimited voice calls across India including MTNL network in Delhi and Mumbai telecom circles.

Do make a note of 250 min/day FUP capping.

Here, the user gets 3GB daily data. Post the 3GB limit, the speed comes down to 80Kbps. Other benefits include 100 SMS/day and free PRBT default tune offers. However, one should keep a note that all these benefits are limited for only 60 days.

To attract more subscribers, the BSNl has also added EROS Now entertainment service for 2 months.

PV_2399:

The PV_₹2399 is the most expensive prepaid recharge available in BSNL kitty. It comes with a validity period of 600 days.

As usual, the freebies are limited for 60 days. And the freebies include unlimited voice calls (local, STD, and roaming). Daily 250 min capping seems to be a new norm.

Unlimited 3GB/day data, 100 SMS/day messages, free PRBT default tune and EROS Now entertainment subscription are the other benefits.

Though the BSNL has got a huge following both in prepaid and postpaid segments, the state-run telecom network is neglecting the much needed 4G deployment.

Do you agree with my opinion? Share your thoughts.

There seems to be an important update from Jio team.

As per the JioFiber service terms and conditions, there would be 3300 GB limit on all Truly Unlimited Plans. That means the subscriber will get a FUP limit of 3.3TB of data. Post the FUP limit, the speed will be reduced.

However, there is no mention of post FUP speed.

One should keep a note that all JioFiber plans till 300Mbps will have a FUP limit of 3.3TB data. This is similar to Airtel’s Xstream Fiber plans where you get a data benefit of 3.3TB

The other plans featuring higher speeds namely 500Mbps plan or 1Gbps plan do not come under this FUP limitation. They will not have any FUP capping.

The other important to be noted down is regarding voice calls. There is no FUP limit on the number of voice calls.

@dipika-menon

Hope this comparison helps in deciding what to buy.

OnePlus 7 Vs. OnePlus 7 Pro - Specifications Comparision: OnePlus 7 Pro OnePlus 7 Display 6.67-inch Fluid AMOLED (~88.1% screen-to-body ratio) 3120x1440 pixels resolution (19.5:9) (~516 ppi density) 90Hz, HDR10+ Gorilla Glass 6 protection 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) 2340x1080 pixels resolution (19.5:9) (~402 ppi density) Gorilla Glass 6 protection Build Front/back glass, Aluminum frame Front/back glass, Aluminum frame Chipset Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 485) CPU Adreno 640 GPU Qualcomm SDM855 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 485) CPU Adreno 640 GPU RAM 6GB/8GB/12GB 6GB/8GB Storage 128GB/256GB 128GB/256GB SIM Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) MicroSD card slot No No Rear camera 1 48 MP, f/1.6, 1/2", 0.8µm, Laser/PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/1.7, 1/2", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS Rear camera 2 8 MP, f/2.4, 78mm (telephoto), 3x zoom, Laser/PDAF, OIS 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm, depth sensor Rear camera 3 16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide) No Front camera Motorized pop-up 16 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm 16 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm Connectivity Wi-Fi ac 2x2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0 AptX HD, LDAC, NFC, A-GPS, USB 3.1, Type-C 1.0 reversible connector, USB On-The-Go Wi-Fi ac 2x2 MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0 AptX HD, NFC, A-GPS USB 3.1, Type-C 1.0 reversible connector, USB On-The-Go Speed HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (5CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (5CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps Audio USB-C, Stereo speakers USB-C, Stereo speakers 3.5mm jack No No Battery Non-removable Li-Po 4000mAh Non-removable Li-Po 3700mAh Charging USB-C 3.1 Fast battery charging 30W (Warp Charge) USB-C Fast battery charging 20W Operating system Android 9.0 (Pie); OxygenOS 9 Android 9.0 (Pie); OxygenOS 9 Water resistance No No Security In-display fingerprint In-display fingerprint Dimensions 162.6 x 75.9 x 8.8mm 157.7 x 74.8 x 8.2mm Weight 206g 182g Colors Mirror Gray, Nebula Blue, Almond Mirror Gray, Red Price ₹48,999 (6GB RAM + 128GB Storage) ₹52,999 (8GB RAM + 256GB Storage) ₹57,999 (12GB RAM + 256GB Storage) ₹32999 (6GB RAM + 128GB Storage) ₹37999 (8GB RAM + 256GB Storage)

If the reports are to be believed the existing TV channels will not go off-air on December 28th or 29th. However, one should contact the DTH operator or MSO operator and verify the same.

One thing is for sure, the unsubscribed channels will go off air after a certain time. This will enable you to pay only for the channels want to watch. Certainly, the new move will help the subscriber to pay less than the current bill.

Individual Channels or Bouquets, Which is Better?

If you want a better deal then it is recommended to get a pre-packed bouquet instead of the individual channels. Say, STAR Maa value pack that includes 10 channels is being offered at ₹39. Isn’t it a better deal?

However, if you want to watch only a few select channels then it is always better to get them individually as it will be cheaper for you. Do remember that TRAI has capped the MRP of a channel at ₹19 it has to be included in a bouquet.

Similarly, the TRAI has facilitated the customer to pay just ₹25 in case of restarting the suspended connection. If the duration is more than 3 months, then just pay ₹100 to get reconnected. In this case, you don’t need to repay the installation or monthly subscription cost.

Incidentally, there are over 600 Free-to-Air channels and the users can select 100 free channels out of them. The list so exhaustive that it is advisable to group them according to the regional language.

Free-to-Air Channels in Telugu Regional Language 1-10 11-20 21-30 31-40 41-50 DD Yadgiri V6 News AP 24/7 Shopping Zone Bhakti Sagar DD Sapthagiri At News Republic TV 9 Hindu Dharmam Aradhana Jeevana Margam V1 Maha News Sai TV Rakshana TV Vanitha Raj News CVR News SVBC Divyavani Studio ONE Sakshi TV Jai Telangana Jaya Jaya Sankara Calvary Temple Vissa TV TV 5 1 One Voice Bhakti TV Gospel TV Raj Music Telugu HMTV T SAT Vidya CVR Om Tollywood T News 10 TV CVR Health Divya TV Aaj Tak ABN Andhrajyothy N TV Shopping Zone Sri Sankara NDTV 24x7 Bharat Today Mojo TV CVR Health Vedic CBeebies

@amitav-sengupta

The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M2 to go on sale today at 12 noon. There will be a flat ₹1000 instant discount when purchased through HDFC Bank debit and credit cards.

If you are a loyal customer purchasing through Flipkart then you might have already got Axis Bank Buzz credit card. With this, you can get an extra 5% off.

Owing to the presence of Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 SoC and a big battery, the latest handset has got good reviews. And one expects the sale to be a flash mode. Get ready with your blazing internet speed to grab the new budget king.

@admin

The first generation of Amazon Fire TV Stick was really amazing. I bagged this media streaming device during the festive sale. And another one on Big Billion Days Sale (as a gift) at ₹3099.

Though the dongle retails at ₹3999, one could make it for ₹3499. Moreover, it even offered 15% cashback making it sweeter.

However, one should have a decent broadband connection or Fiber Net to experience a true theatre feeling. Initially, it gave a problem in installing YouTube app. However, it was resolved later with the integration of Sik browser.

Personally, I feel Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is better than the Chromecast.

Hope this comparison study between Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Stick 4K would be helpful to the readers.

Fire TV Stick Fire TV Stick 4K Price ₹3,999 ₹5,999 Size 85.9 mm x 30.0 mm x 12.6 mm 108 mm x 30 mm x 14 mm (including the connector) Weight 32g 53.6 g Picture Quality 720p and 1080p up to 60fps 4K Ultra HD, HDR, HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, HDR10+ TV Power & Volume Control with included all-new Alexa Voice Remote Supported Audio Dolby Audio Dolby Atmos Ethernet Support With optional Amazon Ethernet Adapter With optional Amazon Ethernet Adapter Processor MediaTek Quad-Core ARM 1.3 GHz Quad-core 1.7GHz GPU Mali450 MP4 IMG GE8300 Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.1 Bluetooth 5.0 + LE

@Admin

It seems Reliance Jio wants to keep everyone happy with their plans and thus made some minor changes mainly with respect to ₹ 149 plan.

As ₹ 149 plan is the most affordable plan, Jio has incorporated unlimited 4G data at night even to this plan. Moreover, the subscribers of this ₹ 149 plan will also enjoy 0.7GB JioNet hotspot WiFi data.

By going through the trends, one can easily expect much more affordability before the tariff kicks start, post welcome offer.

Here’s the updated Jio prepaid tariff.

Reliance Jio Updated Prepaid Tariff: Jio Tariffs ₹19 ₹129 ₹149 ₹299 ₹499 ₹999 ₹1499 ₹2499 ₹3999 ₹4999 Free Voice Calls (Local+STD+Roaming) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 4G Data 0.1GB 0.75GB 0.3GB 2GB 4GB 10GB 20GB 35GB 60GB 75GB Unlimited 4G Data at Night Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes WiFi Data (JioNet Hotspot) 0.2GB 1.5GB 0.7GB 4GB 8GB 20GB 40GB 70GB 120GB 150GB Jio Apps (Subscription worth ₹1,250) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Unlimited SMS (L + N) Yes Yes 100 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Validity of Pack (Days) 1 7 28 21 28 28 28 28 28 28

@toshi-tandon Why are they doing Flash sale ? Why not regular sale ?

They will increase the amount when they are really selling the TV. The current flash sales are all a trial to understand how many customers are looking for the same.

Count me, the price will be 15,000 when you buy it. Else change my name to MiTV4a :P .

@mario-d-souza

That’s a valuable information. Just thought of updating it further.

After submitting the re-verification request, you will get an acknowledgement from your telecom operator. In case of BSNL, the subscriber will receive the following message:

Your request for Re-verification of Customer Record for Mobile Number with Aadhar E-KYC registered.

To confirm SMS “REV YES”.

To cancel “REV NO” to 53734 within 3 days.

No response will be treated as accepted.

You can just ignore the message or else send confirm SMS. Interestingly, you’ll get the same message for the next 2 days.

said in No Jio signals inside home, but full signals outside. Any signal boosting tips?:

No Jio signals inside home, but full signals outside. Any signal boosting tips

As you might be aware that the new telecom operator Reliance Jio offers its 4G services on Band 3, Band 5, and Band 40.

If you are looking for the best coverage, then Band 5 is better than Band 3. Similarly, Band 3 coverage is better than Band 40 coverage.

In simple terms, best coverage: Band 5 > Band 3 > Band 40.

On contrast, the best speed is possible in Band 40.

Best speed: Band 40 > Band 3 > Band 5

That means, you’ll get the best coverage in Band 5 and the best speed in Band 40.

So, if your issue is related to coverage then you need to lock it to Band 5. Or else, Band 40 for the Reliance Jio 4G speed.

The Reliance Jio SIM automatically switches between bands so there are some tips to lock the 4G network to Band 40. However, it depends upon the processor of your handset.

@ravikum

Agreed, most of the mobiles under 10K budget segment that provide rich-features are Chinese made.

You need to make a compromise when you are on a tight budget.

However, based on the popularity and user reviews, you can opt Xiaomi Redmi Note 4. Probably, this is the only handset providing the best performance and battery life under 10K budget in India.

The Snapdragon 625 octa-core Processor makes it the best bet.

@Rewati-Baruah

Hey! That’s a big news from Xiaomi. If I’m not wrong the Mi A1 is actually the same Mi 5X that was launched in China. The only difference is ditching the usual MIUI interface.

I’m not against the popular MIUI interface but having the stock pure Android UI on board gives a clear advantage. Recently, the other Chinese telecom giant Lenovo ditched its famous Vibe UI for stock Android.

Instead of relying on the developer OS, the handset will quickly receive OS updates and bug fixes. Moreover, it doesn’t have any bloatware resulting in a clean interface.

Back to the Xiaomi Mi A1, it runs on Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box.

Though @Rewati-Baruah is comprehensive, it missed some minor details such as:

It has a fingerprint scanner at the back.

It is equipped with a 5-megapixel selfie shooter.

Along with Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, it has 4GB RAM and Adreno 506 GPU.

The in-built 64GB storage can be further expanded up to 128GB using an external microSD card.

The Xiaomi Mi A1 supports 4G VoLTE and has a hybrid SIM card slot with 3.5mm headphone jack.

Though the company claimed iPhone 7 Plus and OnePlus 5 as its competitors, in reality, based on the pricing strategy, it needs to fight with the new players like Nokia 6, Coolpad Cool Play 6 and Moto G5S Plus.

Based on the price, specs offered by Xiaomi, and Google’s stock Android experience, the Xiaomi Mi A1 is a decent buy.

good offer. Thanks for sharing

hi, thanks for the info.
Very useful info.
Airtel provides very good signal in our area compared to others

@Dipika–Menon

It’s quite happy to see Telenor expanding its 4G footprint. I just want to convey that Telenor India has added one more reason to pick its 4G SIM in Hyderabad.

As per the latest offer, the company is offering unlimited 4G for 60 days if the user is switching to their 4G network. Wow! What an offer!

I wish I could grab this offer. I’m really missing it for not being a Hyderabadi.

@Amitav-Sengupta

If I’m not wrong Telenor - Unitech merger was valued at $375 million. Back in the year 2009, Telenor bought 49% stake in Unitech Wireless (the telecom arm of a realty firm Unitech). In a year or so, it raised its stake to over 60%.

Though the Joint Venture license was canceled by the Apex court in India in 2012, it remained in the Indian market. However, after the exit of Unitech, Telenor has got 100% control on the businesses. Then, the company rebranded itself from Uninor to Telenor. Wait and watch for the next part of the story.

@Dipika–Menon

That’s a BIG news for mobile phone users. Instead of 14.5% VAT, now one needs to pay only 5% VAT on the purchases of cell phones.

Definitely, it’s a welcome move to pass the amendment bill of Telangana VAT Act in the state Assembly. Currently, the mobile purchases are being diverted to the firms registered in AP as the neighboring state levies 5% VAT on the cell phone items.

@Admin

Redmi 3S Next Flash Sale On August 24th 12 pm

It was again a splendid day for Mi. The devices went out of stock within minutes. Though there is no official announcement regarding the duration of the sale, it is less than 8 minutes.

As per the sources, Mi India will commence next sale on August 24th at 12 pm. Just check the space on Mi.com and Flipkart.