TecQ is our weekly round-up of top tech stories
1. Here’s Why UIDAI’s Face ID for Aadhaar Is Not Likely to Work
The use of face authentication for Aadhaar is unlikely to work in the way that Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has envisioned. This sentiment has been shared by noted experts in the domain, who believe that implementing face ID (as part of the two-factor authentication) has come ‘too little too late.’
While they accept that implementing the two-factor authentication (2FA) is the right move, they’re not sure how the UIDAI will be able to execute it across different parts of the country by 1 July, the day when the feature is supposed to come into the system.
But before we tell you what we think is going to happen, let’s take a look at what the official circular from UIDAI has to say about the matter and why this feature is being added.
Read the story here.
2. Reliance Jio, Airtel or Vodafone: Which 1GB Data Plan Is for You?
We’re into 2018 and you’ll be glad to know that mobile data plans are still getting cheaper. Reliance Jio started the trend, and forced its competition to hit back with similar cutbacks, and that’s only brought cheer for customers.
And since the dawn of this year, we’ve already seen telcos revising their set of 4G data plans, especially after Reliance Jio decided that customers want more of the same in 2018 as well.
So, we decided to list down the latest 4G data plans that offer 1GB data per day and which one of the lot gives you the best value for money.
Read the story here.
3. Hike’s Android Version Can Run Apps Without Data
Hike Messenger, India’s only messaging client (with 100 million active users) that comes close to rivalling WhatsApp (200 million users in India), has a new plan to attract more users to its platform. The company has rolled out a new version of Android for smartphones called ‘Total’ that promises to run applications even if you don’t have data.
The company claims that over 736 million users in India still find it hard to access internet, and with the ‘Total’, they want to end that problem.
So, how does this feature work and what’s the technology behind it? Read here to know everything about Total.
4. B&O Beoplay P2 Speaker Review: Your Pocket-Rocket Party Starter
Bang & Olufsen (B&O) is a brand that is proud of its heritage, and they make sure that their products are in-sync with their ideology. They’re known for making high-end televisions, audio speakers, including headphones, that are crafted to offer a complete mix of design and quality audio.
I’ve mostly reviewed their headphones and speakers till date, and trust me when I say this – they don’t come cheap.
So this time, I decided to try out one of their less-expensive offerings, the Beoplay P2 bluetooth speaker. Priced under Rs 16,000, it may not look as big and imposing, but the quality on offer surely got my attention.
Read the review here.
5. In-Flight Internet on Indian Airspace is Just Around the Corner
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on Friday recommended allowing mobile telephony and Internet services for passengers during air travel in the country through both satellite and terrestrial network.
The Department of Telecom had sought views of Trai on 10 August 2017, over proposal to introduce voice, data and video services over Indian airspace for domestic, international and overflying flights in Indian air space.
As we had reported in the latter part of 2017, the proposal to sanction use of in-flight Wi-Fi was on the table, and a decision has been taken right on cue.
Read the story here.
(We Indians have much to talk about these days. But what would you tell India if you had the chance? Pick up the phone and write or record your Letter To India. Don’t be silent, tell her how you feel. Mail us your letter at lettertoindia@thequint.com. We’ll make sure India gets your message)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)