TecQ: Apple, MacBook Pro 2016, Moto Z, Cashless India & More

Top-notch, high resolution display on the MacBook Pro. (Photo: The Quint/@2shar)

TecQ is our weekly round-up of top tech stories.

1.Top 10 Smartphones of 2016

These are the 10 smartphones launched in India this year, that The Quint recommends.

2. Review: MacBook Pro with Touch Bar Ups The Ante, But...

Apple MacBook Pro with Touch Bar is priced for the elite. (Photo: The Quint/@2shar)

For one of Apple’s most loved product lines, one that is so intimately linked to creative productivity and efficiency that media offices, newsrooms and developer studios are literally plastered with Macs bearing a Pro in their name, there was a lot riding on this upgrade.

The new Pro would have to cater to an almost cult-like user base itching to upgrade their older Pros – the last upgrade that wasn't just a spec bump was way back in 2012 with the high-res Retina display.

Read the full review here.

3. Cashless India? We’re Still Scared of Using Phones for Net Banking

Time to make the call: Paytm or UPI for you? (Photo: The Quint)

It’s been 50 days since the currency ban came into effect in India. In that time, the stated aims have shifted from curbing black money, to fulfilling the dream of a cashless economy.

But for the post-demonetisation, cashless India to become a reality, people need to have trust in the system. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of work to be done before India can go truly cashless.

Read the story here.

4. Review: Moto Z With Insta-Share Projector Is Alluring but Pricey

Moto Z comes with a capable snapper at the back. (Photo: The Quint/@2shar)

With the Z Play offering a great entry point to try out Moto’s Mods, how then does the fully-kitted out, bells-and-whistles-sporting Moto Z fare, and is it worth the extra fifteen grand?

Read the review here.

5. Apple to Make iPhones in India from 2017, Prices Likely to Fall

Apple iPhone 6S. (Photo: Reuters)

Indian users can finally dream of buying iPhone at cheaper than usual prices, now that Apple is all set to make them here in the country itself.

Reports strongly suggest that Apple, along with one of its top original equipment manufacturer (OEM), is ready to assemble iPhones in Bengaluru.

Once the assembling of iPhones takes off, Apple hopes to roll-out full-fledged manufacturing from 2018 onwards. All this means that buying an iPhone in India will be cheaper, with custom duty now out of the equation.

Read the story here.