India’s third largest mobile operator, Idea Cellular has launched Idea Ultimate !-Plan to offer unlimited Idea-to-Idea local calls at a monthly rental of ₹199. Though the add-on voice pack costs ₹199 only, it needs to be clubbed with the ₹99 base pack making an effective actual rental of ₹298.

Unlimited Plan Voice Packs:

Under this plan, the Idea postpaid subscribers can enjoy unlimited idea to idea local calls at a monthly rental of ₹298. In order to activate the new Idea Ultimate plan, the users should dial 1211298. Apart from this plan, Idea Cellular also rolled out other voice packs to offer unlimited calls. With ₹499 voice pack, the Idea subscribers can now make unlimited local mobile and fixedline calls.

Similarly, ₹599 voice pack offers unlimited local and STD calls. If the subscriber wants to make unlimited local and STD calls with roaming then a monthly rental of ₹699 would be levied. As a promotional offer, free music and movies subscription is provided with the base plan.

Fair Usage Policy Conditions Apply:

Idea Cellular has got Fair Usage Policy on this ultimate plan. This plan is meant only for retail customers and the user is allowed a maximum of 5000 minutes in a month. This Idea Ultimate plan cannot be treated at par with Reliance Jio free voice calling and surely cannot match the prepaid offering by the telecom operator itself.

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

It looks the stage is all set for another tariff war. Till now, Reliance Jio was focusing on prepaid and FTTH subscribers. The telecom company has now focused its attention on the post-paid segment thereby wooing the high revenue customers.

By launching Jio Postpaid Plus plans, Mr Akash Ambani, Director, Reliance Jio Infocomm, said: “There can’t be a more opportune time to introduce JioPostpaid Plus.” The company has already got the trust of close to 400 million satisfied customers.

Currently, Jio has only one postpaid plan at ₹199. The latest decision to launch Jio Postpaid Plus plans is a significant move to gain loyalty towards the brand Jio. Starting ₹399, the Jio Postpaid Plus has got 5 plans in its kitty.

Apart from the existing ₹199, Jio will now have new Postpaid Plus plans including ₹399, ₹599, ₹799, ₹999 and ₹1499.

Leaving Jio aside, the postpaid user base constitutes about 4-5% of the total mobile subscribers. However, this single-digit subscriber base provides a whopping 25% of the revenue to the mobile operator.

Till now, this has been shared by Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea.

Most of the postpaid users are considered loyal and thus high priority service is given to them. Following a cue from its competition, the Reliance Jio has got well-crafted Postpaid Dhan Dhana Dhan, Jio Dhan Dhana Dhan theme.

By providing a free subscription to popular OTT streaming services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Disney+ Hotstar, the new Jio PostPaidPlus plans have provided the best value.

The Jio has got FAMILY PLAN at ₹250 per connection and data rollover up to 500GB. The Wi-Fi calling in India and abroad is a huge value addition.

Along with the above features, Jio PostPaid Plus offers first in-flight services connectivity for Indian travellers and free international roaming in the USA and UAE. Under the international roaming facility, the overseas subscriber can call any Indian number at ₹1 from anywhere in the world with Wi-Fi calling. Similarly, the ISD calls at just 50 paise per minute.

₹399 JioPostpaid Plus Tariff Plan

Let’s start with the ₹399 Jio Postpaid Plus plan. It offers 75GB high-speed data, unlimited voice calls, SMS and 200 GB data rollover. In addition, you get a free subscription to Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar.

₹599 JioPostpaid Plus Tariff Plan

The ₹599 Jio Postpaid Plus plan offers 100GB data, unlimited voice calls, SMS, and 200 GB data rollover. In addition, you get a free subscription to Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar VIP.

This plan offers 1 additional SIM card with the Family Plan.

₹799 JioPostpaid Plus Tariff Plan

The ₹799 Jio Postpaid Plus plan offers 150GB data, unlimited voice calls, SMS, and 200 GB data rollover. Free access to paid OTT platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar VIP.

This plan offers 2 additional SIM cards with the Family Plan.

₹999 JioPostpaid Plus Tariff Plan

This ₹799 Jio Postpaid Plus plan offers 200GB data, unlimited voice calls, SMS, and 500 GB data rollover. Free access to paid OTT platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar VIP subscription.

This plan offers 3 additional SIM cards with the Family Plan.

₹1499 JioPostpaid Plus Tariff Plan

The most expensive plan in Jio’s postpaid segment has a monthly rental of ₹1499. This ₹1499 Jio Postpaid Plus plan offers 300GB data, unlimited voice calls, SMS, and 500 GB data rollover.

As usual, there is free access to paid OTT platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar VIP subscription. Here the subscriber gets unlimited data and voice facility in the USA and UAE.

How to Get Jio PostPaid Plus?

Starting September 24th, these newly launched Jio postpaid plus plans will be available for subscription.

The best thing about the newly launched plans is that you get them from the comfort of home. Just send “HI” to 88501 88501 on WhatsApp. Or else, call 1800 88 99 88 99 to get the Jio Postpaid Plus SIM home-delivered.

There’s always an option to visit the nearest Jio Store or Reliance Digital Store.

If you are an existing Jio prepaid user and want to migrate to Jio Postpaid Plus then simply visit jio.com/postpaid or a nearby physical store.

What’s Your Opinion?

Undoubtedly, the new Jio postpaid plus tariff plans will unleash a tariff war in the postpaid segment. However, it should be noted down that both Bharti Airtel and Vi has got higher-end plans at ₹1599 providing some special concessions to the frequent flyers.

However, they do provide lesser data and complimentary access to Netflix and Amazon Prime only on certain plans.

Do you agree with my opinion? Share your thoughts.

Also Read: Jio Disney+ Hotstar VIP Access with ₹598 Recharge (56 Days Validity)

With a leak from Amazon India, it’s almost certain that OnePlus will have a global launch of OnePlus 8T 5G smartphone. Along with the launch date, the eCommerce company has given a few details of the handset.

As per the Amazon India, the base variant of the much-awaited OnePlus 8T 5G will be powered by 8GB RAM. Currently, the e-commerce portal is carrying on an OnePlus 8T quiz program.

Under this promotional program, the users can win an OnePlus 8T smartphone. And the last date of this session is listed as 14th of October. The handset might sport a 6.55-inch AMOLED display and a punch-hole cutout in similar lines with OnePlus 8.

Though there is no clear information but its rumoured that the OnePlus8T 5G could be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset and 8GB/12GB RAM. The 120Hz refresh rate could be a major addition.

On the optics side, OnePlus 8T could feature quad-camera-setup including 48mp primary shooter + 16mp ultra-wide lens, 5mp macro lens and 2mp depth shooter. Backed by a 4500mAh battery, the 65W Warp charging could not be missed.

According to another leak, the European pricing of OnePlus 8T 5G will be 799 Euros (8GB RAM + 128GB ROM) and 899 Euros (12GB RAM + 256GB ROM). If this is compared to the OnePlus 8 pricing of 699 Euros, there’s a significant bump.

Let’s wait and watch whether OnePlus 8T 5G would be expensive in Indian market keeping in tune with European pricing.

Do you agree with my opinion? Share your thoughts.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy M51 with Snapdragon 730G SoC at ₹25K (7000mAh Battery)

Youtube Video

The Chinese smartphone manufacturer OPPO has got Realme Narzo 20 series in the Indian market. The new lineup includes Narzo 20A, Narzo 20 and Narzo 20 Pro.

The launch was live-streamed through the company’s social media platforms including YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. Though the company has leaked many teasers, there’s no clarity as the Realme Narzo 20 lineup has 3 smartphones.

Realme Narzo 20A:

Let’s start with Realme Narzo 20A. It is the most affordable in the lineup. Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, this 6.5-inch mini drop full screen HD+ display has a triple-camera setup (12mp f/1.8 + 2mp + 2mp).

Backed by a 5000mAh battery, it has reverse charging support as well. If you have the required cable, it can be used as a power bank. Realme Narzo 20A has a dedicated triple card slot. So, you don’t need to worry about inbuilt memory space.

Available in 2 colours (Victory Blue and Glory Silver), the Realme Narzo 20A has got 2 memory variants 3GB RAM + 32GB ROM and 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM priced at ₹8499 and ₹9499 respectively.

Starting September 30, one can grab Realme Narzo 20A at Flipkart and other offline stores.

Realme Narzo 20:

Coming to Realme Narzo 20, it has got a 6.5-inch HD screen, MediaTek Helio G85 processor, 4GB RAM and 6000mAh battery. The company claims that its 6000mAh battery along with 18W fast charging support provides an astonishing 45days of standby time.

The triple camera setup includes 48mp primary shooter, 8mp ultra-wide-angle cam with 119-degree FoV and a 2mp macro lens. The 8mp selfie camera is another attraction.

The same colours are retained with the Realme Narzo 20 as well. The prices starts at ₹10,499 (64GB) and ₹11,499 (128GB variant). Continuing with Flipkart, the Realme Narzo 20 can also be obtained from other offline stores on September 28.

Realme Narzo 20 Pro:

Now, let’s go with the beast of the lineup Realme Narzo 20 Pro available in White Knight and Black Ninja colours. Built on the gaming chipset MediaTek Helio G95, the Pro variant sports a 6.5-inch full HD+ display (2400 X 1800 pixels resolution) with 90Hz refresh rate.

The 480nits of peak brightness and 120Hz sampling rate provides a super fine display for gaming. On rear-side, it has got a quad-camera setup (48mp primary + 8mp ultra-wide-angle + 2mp B&W + 2mp macro). The tiny LED flash on the vertical side functions as the fingerprint scanner. The 16mp front camera is a decent addition.

The 65W SuperDart charger makes the device 100% charged in just 34min. The same can be observed in Realme 7 Pro and OPPO Reno4 Pro. However, the inclusion of 4500mAh battery makes the difference.

Realme Narzo 20 Pro comes in 2 variants 6GB RAM + 64GB ROM and 8GB RAM + 128GB ROM priced at ₹14,999 and ₹16,999 respectively. Starting September 25th, this pro variant will be available for sale both online (Flipkart, Realme.com) and offline stores.

There’s a huge similarity between Realme Narzo 20 Pro and Realme 7 Pro. However, the inclusion of Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) chipset and 64mp primary lens makes it a little bite premium.

In other words, Realme Narzo 20 Pro is an affordable me-too version of Relame 7 Pro and OPPO Reno4 Pro.

Do you agree with my opinion? Share your thoughts.

Also Read: OPPO F17 Pro Sports Ultra Sleek Design with 8GB RAM (Priced at ₹22990)

Staying in the competition is the need of the hour. Vi (Vodafone Idea) is no exception. Amidst the IPL 2020 fever, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have got Disney+ Hotstar VIP membership to attract the subscribers.

In similar lines, Vi has tied up with ZEE Entertainment Services to offer ZEE5 Premium subscription. Previously, the ZEE5 OTT platform was with Bharti Airtel. Now after parting the ways, Vi has got hold of ZEE5 video-on-demand service run by the ESSEL group.

Definitely, this add-on will give a higher value push to Vodafone Idea Limited. As per the new scheme, 1 year of ZEE5 premium subscription comes at no additional cost to eligible subscribers.

Vodafone Idea Vi ZEE5 Recharges in Detail:

However, the Vi subscribers have to remember that this combi offer is valid on the select 5 prepaid plans. The Zee5 Premium membership is available on Vi data plans including ₹355, ₹405, ₹595, ₹795 and ₹2595 recharge vouchers.

The prepaid users have to remember that this ZEE5 bundle prepaid pack is for one year which is a once in a lifetime offer. What does it mean? That means the premium subscription can be availed only once on a Vi mobile number for a period of 1-year.

After 1 year, the ZEE5 premium membership will end and you need to pay ₹999 for it (if you want to continue). Similarly, if you port out of Vi network then you’ll lose the benefit.

Vi ZEE5 Prepaid Plans:

Starting at ₹355, Vi offers ZEE5 premium membership for free. Under this Vi ₹355 recharge, you get 50GB data for a period of 28 days.

The Vi ₹405 recharge offers unlimited Talktime and 90GB data with 28 days validity. On the other hand, Vi ₹595 recharge packs daily 2GB data and unlimited Talktime for a period of 56 days.

The 3-month Vi ₹795 recharge offers unlimited talk time and daily 2GB data with 84 days validity. The last one is a purely a long-term pack. The Vi ₹2595 recharge pack offers daily 2GB data and unlimited data with 365 days validity.

Vi ZEE5 Bundle Pack Comparison:

Vi-ZEE5 Prepaid Recharge	Rs 355	Rs 405	Rs 595	Rs 795	Rs 2595
Voice Benefits	No	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Data Benefit	50 GB	90 GB	2GB/day	2GB/day	2GB/day
Validity Period	28 days	28 days	56 days	84 days	365 days
Available on FRC	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No

ZEE5 Video-On-Demand:

In general, the ZEE5 Video-on-demand subscription service costs ₹999 per year. This offers exclusive access to TV shows before they get telecasted on the big TV screen.

The main USP of ZEE5 is its huge content comprising live TV channels. The pack includes more than 90 live TV channels, thousands of movies and ZEE Zindagi shows.

How to Get Vi Exclusive ZEE5 Premium Subscription:

Let me explain you the simple steps in getting Vi ZEE5 premium bundle on your mobile.

• Step 1: The Vi subscribers need to recharge with one of the 5 plans (the eligible ones are ₹355, ₹405, ₹595, ₹795 and ₹2595)

• Step 2: Enter your Vi mobile number at http://zee5offer.vimoviesandtv.in/

• Step 3: You’ll get an OTP and just confirm your mobile.

• Step 4: You’ll get an SMS with username and password details for ZEE5 subscription.

• Step 5: Download ZEE5 app from the Google play store or Apple store.

• Step 6: Enjoy the exclusive ZEE5 premium content on your mobile.

Do you agree with my opinion? Share your thoughts.

Also Read: Jio Disney+ Hotstar VIP Access with ₹598 Recharge (56 Days Validity)

Starting September 19th, the thirteen season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) kickstarts at UAE. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the IPL 2020 schedule got delayed.

With the coronavirus curve at peak stage, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shifted the venue from India to the United Arab Emirates. Eight teams would be participating in this mega sports event.

The IPL 2020 schedule starts from 19th September and ends on 8th November 2020. A total of 60 IPL matches would be conducted. That means, a non-stop cricket entertainment for 53 days.

Now, the question comes how and where to watch IPL 2020 matches online?

Though Star Sports is the official broadcaster for the IPL 2020 matches, one can watch them on Disney+ Hotstar digital platform. It is to be noted that Disney+ Hotstar is the official digital streaming partner.

Where to Watch IPL Live on TV?

You can watch IPL 2020 match live on the big screen from the comfort of home along with your family and friends. It’s available on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 2 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, and Star Sports 1 Hindi TV channels.

How to Watch IPL Online in India?

Don’t worry you don’t need to sit at the idiot box all through the game. If you prefer watching IPL 2020 online, then there’s a live telecast. Just get the Disney+ Hotstar VIP subscription that costs 399 a year.

In order to promote themselves, a few credit card companies are offering Disney+ Hotstar VIP subscription at a discounted price.

How to Watch IPL Live in Mobile Free?

You don’t need to spend on the Disney+ Hotstar VIP subscription. There’s another way to watch IPL live in mobile for free without subscription.

The Indian telecom companies are offering Disney+ Hotstar VIP subscription as a complimentary with their recharge plans. Just recharge your prepaid sim with your favourite telecom network and get benefited.

Though there are many cricket plans, I would pick the best for you.

Jio 598 Disney+ Hotstar Plan:

The Jio 598 plan offers 1-year Disney+ Hotstar VIP annual subscription at no extra cost. Apart from that, the plan offers daily 2GB data, unlimited Jio calls, 2000 non-Jio calls, 100 SMS/day and complimentary Jio apps with a validity of 56 days.

Airtel 599 Disney+ Hotstar Plan:

Bharti Airtel’s 599 truly unlimited plan offers Disney+ Hotstar VIP 1-year subscription, Airtel Xstream Premium, and Wynk Music as add-ons. The 599 plan core benefits include daily 2GB data, truly unlimited voice calls and 100SMS/day with a validity of 56 days.

BSNL SUPERSTAR 300 FTTH Plan:

The state run-telecom has got an FTTH plan by the name SUPERSTAR 300. This pack is bundled with Disney+ Hotstar Premium subscription. It offers 300GB data at 50 Mbps speed. With Hotstar Premium membership, you can watch IPL live on mobile, desktop and Smart TV.

However, this facility is not bundled with any BSNL prepaid plan.

5 Easy Steps to Watch IPL Live on Your Mobile Phone:

In order to watch IPL 2020 match, live in a mobile, you need to follow these 5 simple steps:

• Step 1: From the Google Playstore or App Store, download and install the Disney+ Hotstar app on your smartphone.

• Step2: Choose your language of interest.

• Step 3: Enter your mobile number to get an OTP.

• Step 4: Log in using OTP from your eligible Jio/Airtel number.

• Step 5: Open the Hotstar app and start live streaming as per the IPL 2020 schedule.

How to Watch IPL 2020 Live in Other Counties?

If you happen to stay abroad (other than India), then how are you planning to watch IPL 2020 live?

YuppTV is your only option! The YuppTV has got IPL streaming rights in 10 international territories. They span across Asia, Europe and the Americas.

As per the agreement with BCCI, YuppTV is authorized to show IPL live matches in Australia, Continental Europe (except UK and Ireland), Central Asia, South East Asia (except Singapore), Malaysia, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and South and Central America.

Where to See IPL 2020 Live in the USA and Canada?

The IPL 2020 season can be watched live in action by subscribing to Hotstar US and Hotstar Canada respectively at a price of $49.99.

I’m in the UK. How to Watch IPL Live in the UK?

The IPL lovers in the UK and Ireland has to get the subscription of Hotstar UK at GBP 11.99 per year. One can even watch live cricket on Sky Sports Now TV. Similarly, the Now TV Ireland makes it an official source for the Ireland cricket lovers.

Then how about IPL live watch in South Africa?

SuperSport continues to be the only destination for IPL lovers in South Africa and sub-Saharan territory. On can get the SuperSport subscription for free without hardship.

Where can I watch IPL 2020 in Caribbean Islands?

The islands of the Caribbean love cricket than any other sport. The BCCI has tied up with Flow Sports to allow live streaming of the IPL 2020 season.

In which app can I watch IPL live in New Zealand?

Even today, my Instagram stories are filled with love for Kane Williamson. Moreover, the Kiwi players have been an integral part of the IPL. That’s the reason, Fox Sports and Kayo Sports has got access to IPL 2020 streaming rights.

If I stay in UAE, then how to catch the live action online?

For the cricket lovers in the Middle East and North Africa (including UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt), BCCI has tied up with beINConnect for streaming IPL 2020 live online.

Probably, the only cricket-loving country to be left out is Pakistan. Officially, Pakistan has been excluded from the list. Last year, India-Pakistan relations are under strain.

Now due to severe pressure all along its border with China, India downgrades ties with Pakistan.

What if my country is excluded from the list of broadcasting countries? Then, the only answer could be VPN. However, it again depends on a lot of factors including the network compatibility with Hotstar.

Do you agree with my opinion? Share your thoughts.

Also Read: Jio Disney+ Hotstar VIP Access with ₹598 Recharge (56 Days Validity)

@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.

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.

Oppo F17 Pro is the latest handset from the OPPO consumer electronics company. Though it has got premium features like ultra-sleek design and 8GB RAM, the company has launched it at an affordable price tag ₹22,990.

If you consider the sub ₹25K segment, you will find many different options and finally get confused. In that case, there is Realme 7 Pro (from the same parent company) and Redmi K20.

Leaving it aside, at this budget, one would be looking both at performance and premium feel. The latest OPPO F17 Pro will definitely be easy both on eyes and pocket.

OPPO F17 Pro Specifications:

Regarding specifications, the OPPO F17 Pro sports a 7.48mm ultra-thin design that weighs just 164gm. This 6.43-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display handset comes with a 20:9 aspect ratio and a 2400x1800 pixels resolution.

Powered by a decent MediaTek Helio P95 processor having 8 cores with 2.2 GHz frequency and paired with 8GB RAM, this is a fast and responsive handset. For an enhanced gaming experience, it has got HyperEngine.

OPPO F17 Pro Optics:

On the optics side, it has good AI-supported quad-camera setup (48mp+8mp+2mp+2mp) that has multiple modes including time-lapse photography to click photos and videos at 4K. It also packs dual front (16mp main + 2mp depth) camera for selfie lovers.

Though the company boasts high-response in-display fingerprint 3.0 sensor, it’s a bit slow when compared to its peers.

You get 128GB internal storage that can be expandable up to 256GB. The 3-card slot with 4G dual-SIM (nano+nano) offers enough flexibility to expand the internal storage.

Backed by a 4015mAh lithium-polymer battery with 30W VOOC flash charge 4.0, the OPPO F17 Pro boasts to provide 4 hours talk with just 5min charge. The specs say that the handset can be fully charged in just 53 minutes.

What’s Your Opinion?

Interestingly, the OPPO F17 Pro also boasts AI Night charging and Air Gesture facility that enables the users to pick up calls by lifting the hands upwards (20-50cm distance). This Air answer is a good option when you can’t really touch the phone but answer or reject it.

On the whole, OPPO F17 Pro is a good package that offers performance and style. However, one can’t truly rule out the beasts like Redmi K20 that offers overall value and performance at similar pricing.

Let me know your opinion whether you would go with stylish and innovative Air answer facility packed Oppo F17 Pro? Or looking for alternatives.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy M51 with Snapdragon 730G SoC at ₹25K (7000mAh Battery)

In a surprising incident, the Ministry of Electronics and IT announced a ban on PUBG Mobile and 117 other Chinese apps in India. As a result, this popular game will be removed from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Recently, the Government of India has banned 59 Chinese owned apps including TikTok. Now, the crackdown seems to be more severe with a big list of 118 apps. The notable apps include Baidu, Ludo World, ShareSave by Xiaomi, APUS Launcher, Phone Booster, Tencent Weiyun, FaceU, AppLock Lite, Creative Destruction, Cyber Hunter, Rules of Survival etc.

Ban on 118 Chinese Apps:

Citing the concerns of safety, security and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace, the press release from IT Ministry quoted a ban on 118 apps. The list includes Apps related to gaming, software to edit selfies, dating sites, online payment services etc.

The PUBG Mobile ban seems to be a strategic move when the news broke out that the Chinese troops entered into South Bank of Ladakh’s Pangong Lake. Earlier, the Govt of India banned 59 Chinese Apps including TikTok when there were a series of clashes at Galwan Valley.

PUBG Mobile has around 400 million players and 50 million daily active players. This is more popular than the PUBG PC that has less than 1 million daily active players. As per a recent report from Online Analytics firm Sensor Tower, India holds the lion’s share with over 175 million downloads.

Don’t know how Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds transformed itself to PUBG, but this game has been an instant hit with the youngsters.

Immediately after the ban, the social media got flooded expressing their sadness. Some even started browsing to find out the Chinese roots of PUBG. In contrast, the elders circulated funny and cool memes.

Is PUBG a Chinese App?

Technically, PUBG PC has Korean roots (Bluehole company). But the Chinese Tencent Holdings has the majority control in the South Korean company. The PUBG desktop version is modified and developed by Tencent Games to suit the smartphone market. Undoubtedly without the inputs from Tencent Games venture capital, the popularity of PUBG Mobile can’t be written off.

The exponential growth of PUBG mobile community is a serious setback to the Indian live game streaming industry. Though there is a bit of negativity from the elder group, PUBG enjoyed a lot of market in India.

This ban will definitely hurt the game developers. The industry experts feel that that the Indian Government should have drawn an exercise giving some deadline or notice period. If we observe, the Trump Govt is still initiating the purchase of TikTok by Microsoft, Oracle and Walmart.

The serious gamers feel that a similar strategy should be implemented by Modi Govt rather than a blanket ban on PUBG.

The End of Road for High-end Gaming Phones?

Leaving it aside, what’s now with high-end gaming phones? Do you think one would still buy Asus ROG Phone 3? Would there be any takers for the recent Snapdragon 732G chipset?

It is definitely not an easy task to sell a gaming-focused smartphone that delivers high refresh rate consuming lots of RAM and AI-infused mobile SoC chips.

In the absence of PUBG, one would surely try Activision Blizzard’s Call of Duty: Mobile (it could be the next banned game) and Garena’s Free Fire and more.

Unfortunately, one can’t blame the geopolitical issue for every small thing. Hope the latest threat gives ample opportunity for desi game developers to build an ecosystem for developing PUBG alternative.

Also Read: Govt Bans TikTok. Full List of 59 China-Linked Apps on Security Concern

Amid the growing boycott Chinese products campaign, the Government of India decided to ban 59 Chinese apps in India. Citing safety and sovereignty of Indian cyberspace, the IT Ministry has sent a press release for the same.

In its official statement, the Government of India has decided to block 59 apps including the popular TikTok, UC Browser, and WeChat. Invoking its special power under section 69A of the Information Technology Act, the Govt (read it as the Ministry of Information Technology) has taken a concrete step.

Govt Bans TikTok & other Chinese Apps:

Along with the popular TikTok, 58 other apps originating from China got banned. As a result, the Government of India has decided to ban the usage of Chinese apps through any computer resource (both in mobile and non-mobile internet-enabled devices).

A day before this press release, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre working under Ministry of Home Affairs sent a detailed recommendation for blocking the malicious apps. Citing, data security and privacy breach as the prime issue, the Government has taken this extreme step.

Full List of Banned Chinese Apps:

This strict vigilance will now block 59 Chinese apps (full list below) with an immediate effect. The app ban is not just limited to TikTok. Even other popular apps including ShareIt, UC Browser, Club Factory, CamScanner, Helo, Clash of Kings etc will be blocked.

COMPLETE LIST OF 59 CHINESE APPS BLOCKED IN INDIA

• TikTok
• Shareit
• Kwai
• UC Browser
• Baidu map
• Shein
• Clash of Kings
• DU battery saver
• Helo
• Likee
• YouCam makeup
• QQ Newsfeed
• Mi Community
• CM Browsers
• Virus Cleaner
• APUS Browser
• ROMWE
• Club Factory
• Newsdog
• Beauty Plus
• WeChat
• UC News,
• QQ Mail
• Weibo
• Xender
• QQ Music
• Bigo Live
• SelfieCity
• Mail Master
• Parallel Space
• Mi Video Call – Xiaomi
• WeSync
• ES File Explorer
• Viva Video – QU Video Inc
• Meitu
• Vigo Video
• New Video Status
• DU Recorder
• Vault- Hide
• Cache Cleaner DU App studio
• DU Cleaner
• DU Browser
• Hago Play With New Friends
• Cam Scanner
• Clean Master – Cheetah Mobile
• Wonder Camera
• Photo Wonder
• QQ Player
• We Meet
• Sweet Selfie
• Baidu Translate
• Vmate
• QQ International
• QQ Security Center
• QQ Launcher
• U Video
• V fly Status Video
• Mobile Legends
• DU Privacy

Reasons Behind this Chinese Ban:

There’s a huge fan base for TikTok in India. Even our Bollywood and TV celebrities including Neha Kakkar, Shilpa Shetty, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernadez, Deepika Padukone, Sunny Leone, Tiger Shroff are not far either. They use this platform to share and get connected with their followers.

Even several departments in the Government of India do have official TikTok account. They include MyGovtIndia, MyGov, Karnataka Govt, Greater Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra Public Health Department, Press Information Bureau, Indian Railways etc.

If TikTok is so friendly, then why there’s a double standard by Indian Government in banning it?

Huawei Security Scandal:

Initially, the US, Australia and the UK have reported that the Chinese companies are collecting intimate data through their hardware and software. That’s the reason, Chinese made-5G networking equipment was not accepted by many governments across the world.

After India-China face-off at Ladakh’s Galwan valley, the state-run telecom major BSNL has also stopped procuring the telecom gear from Chinese vendors. This was clearly formulated by the Department of Telecommunications.

Undoubtedly, there has been a strong support to the Govt to make its Anti-China campaign productive. The India-China face-off from the recent Ladakh’s Galwan valley violet episodes has fueled a strong chorus in the Indian streets.

If one observes the official statement by the Ministry of IT, there’s a clear mention that these 59-Chinese apps are engaged in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.

Digital Surgical Strike & its Effect:

The latest action by the Modi Government is being termed by his followers as a big digital surgical strike against China. It has both pros and cons.

The next step will be the removal of these banned apps from Google Play Store and Apple iOS store. As soon as they receive the order copy from Govt of India, both the companies (Google and Apple) will follow it.

Even if the banned app is already on the phone, then it will not work. The mobile networks and ISP (Airtel, Jio, BSNL etc) will soon receive the Govt order copy and block these apps on their networks.

As the Govt has not termed it as illegal, some hardcore users are trying to access these banned apps through VPNs. The desi core users will definitely look for the alternatives. But the real concern is the impact of the ban who has it as the source of income.

These companies have got Indian offices and workforce. This ban will definitely have an adverse effect on their employees in India. With COVID-19 pandemic recession, the plight of these job holders could be at stake.

Also Read: Jio - India’s Largest Telecom Operator