Consumer Goods' Demand Rises During Navratri

By: Salman

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Updated on: 22-Oct-2021

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Though the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down the demand for consumer goods, the encouraging sign is that the market has picked up steam. In October, the Navratri festive season has witnessed a tremendous increase in the demand for consumer appliances like refrigerators, large screen TVs, smartphones, and washing machines.

While the increase in demand is a sign of good things to come, the supply has proved a mighty challenge, especially in the premium smartphone segment. As a result, the demand for domestic consumer appliances will continue to rise till Deepavali, especially in the tier II and III markets.

Deepak Bansal, VP of LG Electronics, has reiterated that the demand for consumer goods is a healthy sign of positive consumer sentiment. However, he also acknowledged that the growth would have been higher if the supply had been more consistent.

Similarly, Realme India Chief Executive Officer Madhav Sheth voiced positive vibes about the consumer appliance sector's growth and attributed it to the return of public sentiment. As a result, Realme plans to sell more than 6 million handsets. Navratri is generally the time when the Indian festive season kicks on. The season lasts till the end of Christmas and the dawn of the New Year. So the 15% growth in the demand is a sign of auspicious things to come.

Samsung Invests in Liner: A Reliable AI Bot for Students and Researchers

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 11-Oct-2024

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In a significant move to support educational technology, Samsung has invested in Liner, an innovative AI search engine tailored specifically for students and academics. With a recent funding round of $29 million (approximately ₹243 crore), Liner is set to enhance its capabilities in providing reliable information retrieval, distinguishing itself from general AI services like ChatGPT.

What is Liner?

Liner is an AI tool that focuses on narrowing searches to credible sources such as academic papers and government databases. Launched last year, it aims to deliver high-quality, trustworthy information for research purposes. The startup, based in Seoul, has gained traction in the United States, boasting around 10 million users, predominantly among higher education institutions like UC Berkeley and Texas A&M.

The Need for Specialized AI

As educational demands evolve, the need for reliable information has never been greater. Traditional AI tools often deliver mixed results, sometimes including irrelevant or low-quality content. In contrast, Liner aims to filter out the noise, ensuring users access only valuable information. According to Liner’s CEO, Luke Jinu Kim, "It's a new type of search engine. There's no junk, only valuable information."

Unique Features of Liner

Liner sets itself apart by utilizing generative AI technology, similar to that used in popular bots like ChatGPT. However, Liner customizes its large language models to focus on the validity and reliability of information. Students can pose complex questions, such as “What are the key literary devices in Hamlet's ‘to be or not to be’ soliloquy?” or “How do you calculate heat loss through a wall based on thermal conductivity?” The tool is designed to cater to various academic disciplines, including medicine, engineering, humanities, and history.

The Journey of Liner

The idea for Liner originated over a decade ago when founders Kim and Chanmin Woo were undergraduates themselves. They initially developed a browser extension to highlight relevant search results. The release of ChatGPT in late 2022 prompted them to create a more focused chatbot that would avoid inaccuracies often seen in general-use AI tools. Their mission has always been to enhance the research experience for students and academics.

Funding and Future Plans

The recent funding round included investors such as Intervest, Atinum Investment, and Samsung Venture, contributing to a total of $33 million raised to date. Liner plans to expand its global team, currently numbering around 40, with additional positions opening up in San Francisco. This growth is crucial as Liner seeks to solidify its presence in the academic sector, where the majority of its paying users reside.

Conclusion

With Samsung's backing, Liner is poised to become a game-changer in the realm of academic research. By providing a reliable AI tool that prioritizes credible sources, Liner aims to transform how students and researchers access information. As the demand for accurate and relevant data continues to rise, Liner's innovative approach could redefine the academic landscape, offering a much-needed solution for today's learners. This partnership highlights a growing trend of integrating advanced technology into education, promising a brighter future for students and educators alike.

Elevate Your Listening: A Deep Dive into Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 11-Oct-2024

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Key Highlights of the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2:

• Exceptional Comfort: Ergonomic design with a twist-to-adjust stabilizer for a secure fit during any activity.
• Rich Sound Quality: Custom 11 mm dynamic speakers deliver deep bass, balanced mids, and crisp highs.
• Versatile Connectivity: Seamless pairing with Bluetooth 4.0+ devices and low-latency performance for gaming and videos.
• Advanced Features: Includes noise cancellation and transparency mode for an immersive audio experience.

Google has launched its latest entry in the premium wireless earbuds market: the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Priced at ₹22,900, these earbuds promise a notable upgrade from the previous model, emphasizing comfort, intelligence, and outstanding sound quality. Let's explore what makes these earbuds a compelling choice for audio enthusiasts.

Design and Comfort

User comfort takes center stage with the Pixel Buds Pro 2. They come in four attractive colors—Porcelain, Hazel, Wintergreen, and Peony—offering a sleek and lightweight design. Their ergonomic shape is based on data from over 45 million ear shapes, ensuring a snug fit for a variety of users.

A unique feature of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the twist-to-adjust stabilizer, which helps keep the earbuds securely in place during intense workouts or while worn for extended periods. Whether you’re at the gym or in a long meeting, these earbuds prioritize comfort and stability.

With an IP54 rating, the earbuds can withstand sweat during workouts and light rain, while the charging case boasts an IPX4 rating, protecting against water splashes.

Compatibility and Connectivity

One of the standout features of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is their broad compatibility. They easily pair with any Bluetooth 4.0+ device, including Android and iOS smartphones, tablets, and laptops, making them a versatile option for users across different platforms. However, to unlock all features, users need an Android device running version 6.0 or newer, along with a Google Account and internet access.

On the connectivity front, the earbuds utilize Bluetooth 5.4 and LE Audio technology, ensuring a stable connection with low latency. This feature is particularly beneficial for watching videos or gaming, as it reduces lag between audio and visual elements.

Advanced Audio Features

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are engineered to deliver an exceptional audio experience, featuring custom-designed 11 mm dynamic speaker drivers. The sound quality is impressive, with rich bass, well-balanced mids, and crisp highs. Whether you’re enjoying music, tuning into a podcast, or participating in a virtual meeting, the audio clarity is remarkable.

In addition to their great sound, the earbuds incorporate advanced noise cancellation technology, allowing users to immerse themselves fully in their audio without distractions from the environment. There's also a transparency mode that lets outside sounds in, perfect for staying aware of your surroundings while enjoying your tunes.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 stands out as a strong contender in the premium wireless earbuds market. With their focus on comfort, advanced audio features, and seamless connectivity, they cater to a wide range of users looking for a high-quality audio experience. Priced at ₹22,900, they offer a compelling mix of performance and design, making them a worthy investment for anyone in search of top-notch wireless earbuds. Whether you're a music lover, a podcast enthusiast, or someone who frequently attends virtual meetings, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 could elevate your listening experience to new heights.

Get Ready: Xiaomi's First Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 Phone to Launch Next Week!

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 11-Oct-2024

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Xiaomi is gearing up to unveil its first smartphone equipped with Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 processor at the Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, happening on October 16. This launch marks a significant moment as Xiaomi becomes the first manufacturer to showcase a device featuring this budget-friendly 5G chipset.

The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2, which was announced by Qualcomm in July, is designed for entry-level smartphones and is expected to retail around $99 (approximately ₹8,200). The upcoming Xiaomi device is rumored to feature a 6.7-inch LCD with HD+ resolution and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate.

In terms of photography, it may include a 50-megapixel primary camera on the back, alongside an 8-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies. Powering the device will be a robust 5,000mAh battery with support for 18W charging. Users can also look forward to Xiaomi's MIUI interface based on Android 14.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 is designed with efficiency in mind, featuring an octa-core CPU and an Adreno GPU, making it a great choice for affordable 5G smartphones.

Here's a small table summarizing the key features of the upcoming Xiaomi smartphone powered by the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 chipset:

Conclusion:

As Xiaomi prepares to launch this new smartphone, tech enthusiasts are eager to see how the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 will perform in the budget segment. With promising features and an attractive price point, this device could make waves in the Indian market, appealing to users looking for quality without breaking the bank.

Prime Day Price Cuts: Grab the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for Less

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2024

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Amazon is making a splash this Prime Day with substantial discounts on the Samsung Galaxy S24 range, providing consumers an excellent opportunity to save on these popular smartphones. While Samsung has its competitive deals, Amazon’s pricing offers notable reductions that are hard to ignore.

Prime Day Discounts on Samsung Galaxy Phones

Here’s a quick look at the best deals currently available on Samsung Galaxy devices through Amazon:

These deals present substantial savings compared to Samsung’s prices. For example, the base Galaxy S24 is priced at $799 directly from Samsung, making Amazon’s offer a $200 discount. The Galaxy S24 Plus and S24 Ultra also see significant price cuts, with Amazon offering $250 and $287.85 less, respectively.

Trade-In Value Discrepancies

While Amazon’s deals are attractive, Samsung’s trade-in program significantly reduces the overall cost when purchasing directly from them. For instance, if you trade in a Galaxy S21 Ultra, Amazon offers $135, while Samsung values it at an impressive $600. Similar disparities exist for other devices:

• Galaxy S20 Ultra: Amazon offers $100; Samsung offers $400.
• iPhone 12 Pro Max: Amazon offers $225; Samsung offers $350.

If you plan to trade in an old phone, purchasing directly from Samsung might be the better option. However, if you don’t have a device to trade in, Amazon’s prices are hard to beat.

Samsung’s Competitive Pricing

As of October 9, Samsung has also adjusted its prices to compete with Amazon’s offers. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is now available for $1,168.99 directly from Samsung, a $250 reduction. Additionally, Samsung is offering $100 off accessories like the Galaxy Watch Ultra when purchased alongside the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Conclusion

With Prime Day deals providing excellent savings on Samsung Galaxy smartphones, Amazon presents a great opportunity for shoppers, especially those without trade-ins. While Samsung’s trade-in values may lead to lower prices for customers with eligible devices, Amazon's offers are compelling for those looking to buy new phones outright. Whether you’re interested in the Galaxy S24 Ultra or other models, it’s worth comparing both retailers to find the best deal that suits your needs.

Data Security Crisis: 31 Million Star Health Customers Impacted by Breach

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2024

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Star Health Insurance, one of India's top health insurance providers, is currently dealing with a significant data breach that has reportedly impacted the personal information of approximately 31 million customers. The situation has raised serious concerns about data security and protecting sensitive information.

What Happened?

According to reports, a hacker known as "xenZen" claims to have stolen around 7.24TB of data from Star Health. This information includes highly sensitive personal details such as customers' names, PAN numbers, mobile numbers, email addresses, birth dates, residential addresses, policy numbers, and medical records. Alarmingly, the hacker is reportedly selling this stolen data online for $150,000, with smaller batches of 100,000 records offered for $10,000 each.

Allegations Against Star Health's CISO

In a shocking turn of events, the hacker alleged that Amarjeet Khanuja, Star Health's Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), played a role in the data leak. The claims suggest that Khanuja "sponsored" the breach by selling customer data to the hacker for $43,000. According to a whistleblower named Deedy Das, the timeline of the breach unfolded as follows:

• On July 6, 2024, Khanuja allegedly contacted the hacker through a secure messaging app after being referred by a middleman.
• They agreed on a price of $28,000 in cryptocurrency for the data.
• Khanuja reportedly provided the hacker with login credentials and API details, which allowed access to customer information.
• By July 20, Khanuja offered additional data for $15,000, and the process continued.
• After access was revoked, Khanuja demanded $150,000, claiming senior management wanted a share.
• When the hacker refused to pay, the data was listed for sale online, leading to the launch of a website called Starhealthleak.

Star Health's Response

Star Health has denied any involvement in the breach or the alleged sale of data. The company described the incident as a "targeted malicious attack" and emphasized that its operations remain unaffected. They are currently conducting a thorough investigation with the help of independent cybersecurity experts and working closely with authorities to secure customer data.

The insurer has also filed a criminal complaint against the hacker and the messaging platform Telegram, where parts of the stolen data were initially shared. Star Health reassured customers that their services are fully operational and that they are committed to protecting customer information.

Implications of the Breach

Data breaches like this can have serious consequences for those affected. Stolen personal information can lead to identity theft, where criminals misuse details such as PAN numbers or mobile numbers to create fraudulent accounts. This can result in financial fraud and scams, as scammers often exploit the leaked data to target victims. Additionally, compromised information can lead to phishing attacks or account takeovers, putting sensitive online accounts at risk. In extreme cases, extortion attempts may arise, leveraging leaked health information against victims.

As Star Health works to resolve this situation, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of data security and the potential risks associated with breaches of this magnitude. Customers are encouraged to remain vigilant about their personal information and to monitor their accounts for any suspicious activity.