TecQ is our weekly round-up of the top stories from the world of technology.
1. Apple iPhone X Review: The Complete Flagship Package
It’s finally here, the iPhone that longtime Apple users have been waiting for, the phone that outshone the mighty iPhone 8 at its launch event, the phone that re-imagines what an iPhone should be – the iPhone with the ‘X’ factor.
The iPhone X (64GB ₹89,000, 256GB ₹102,000) is Apple’s most radically redesigned iPhone since the original launched 10 years ago, and for the most part, Apple’s nailed the brief and have given iPhone owners a reason to show off their phones once again.
That said, in a year packed full of supremely competent flagship devices vying for a share of your wallet, does the X dial it all the way up to 10?
Read the review here to know.
2. Google Pushing to Make Google Assistant More Powerful for India
Now that Amazon has launched Alexa and its supported products, like Echo and Echo Dot in India, it looks like Google has read the cue and is setting up the space to bring its voice-assisted armoury to the country.
And before they do that, Google wants to have enough apps compatible with Google Assistant, which is why they’ll let developers add more India-centric services to its ecosystem via Actions of Google.
For anyone who wants to build for the Assistant, resources such as developer tools, documentation and a simulator are available on the "Actions on Google" developer website, Google informs.
But in a market like India, where the majority don’t have access to the internet, devices like Echo and Google Home. along with services that work on voices like Alexa, have a long road ahead before they become anywhere close to being mainstream.
Read the story here.
3. Motorola Moto X4 First Impressions: First Moto X With Dual Cameras
Motorola brings its Moto X4 to India with prices starting from Rs 20,999, available only via Flipkart and Moto Hub offline stores.
While the phone was announced as an Android One version for US market, the Lenovo-owned brand has stuck to its tried-and-tested principle for India.
This is the first Moto X phone to come with dual rear cameras, front camera flash and a glass body design. While the phone has just launched over here, we spent some time with the Moto X4, read our first look on the phone over here.
4. Now Uber Lets You Book a Cab Even If You Don’t Have a Smartphone
Riders will no longer need a smartphone or strong internet connectivity to book a cab, said Uber while announcing India focused innovations for an enhanced rider experience.
The new technology will allow users to book a ride without using the mobile application. Apart from launching a web-based and a ‘call to ride’ version of Uber, the company has also floated three new app features on a pilot basis.
Daniel Graf, the Vice-President and Global Head of Product at Uber, said that the firm has been investing heavily towards building solutions for non-Android users and those who do not have access to the app.
Read the story here.
5. Why Is Flipkart Entering the Indian Smartphone Battlefield?
Flipkart is the latest, and most unlikely, name to venture into the smartphone business this month. The company has announced its Billion Capture+ range of smartphones, available from 15 November via its platform.
The phone’s hardware has been designed and manufactured by Smartron in India, and the features have been customised as per the needs of consumers, which has been derived from Flipkart’s own data research.
While Flipkart’s move comes as an interesting proposition for the industry, most analysts feel that Billion Capture+ (BC+) is nothing but Flipkart trying to extend its arms to generate extra revenue from its trusted consumer base.
Read the story here.
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