Govt Launches ‘Chakshu’ Portal To Fight Frauds Through Spam Calls, MessagesIANS
The government on Monday launched the ‘Chakshu’ facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal, an initiative empowering citizens to proactively report suspected fraud in communication.
Union Minister of Communications, Railways, Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, launched the portal, saying the government has been persistently making efforts to check cyber-frauds under the Secure India project at three levels — national, organisational and individual.
Chakshu facilitates citizens to report suspected fraud communication received over calls, SMS or WhatsApp messages with the intention of defrauding people, like KYC expiry or updating bank account details, payment wallets, SIM, gas connections etc.
IANS
“We firmly believe that critical issues like cyber frauds require all the stakeholders to work together to truly make an impact on the ground. Today’s initiative would help channelise our citizens to come on a single platform led by the government and actively contribute by sharing knowledge to help prevent such undesired and malicious activities,” said Lt. Gen. S.P. Kochhar, Director General, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).
Along with Chakshu, the government also launched the Department of Telecommunications’s (DoT) ‘Digital Intelligence Platform’ for coordination among the stakeholders to curb the misuse of telecom resources in cyber-crime and financial frauds.
Apple’s New MacBook Air Offers Enhanced Performance and Eco-Conscious DesignApple
Apple made a surprise announcement, unveiling its newest MacBook Air models. The new 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models, equipped with the powerful M3 chip, redefine the boundaries of performance and portability.
The new MacBook Air models are not just about power; they are about delivering an unmatched user experience. With up to 18 hours of battery life, a Liquid Retina display, and new capabilities, these devices are designed to cater to a wide range of users. From college students pursuing their degrees to business users who need powerful productivity tools, the new MacBook Air models are poised to be the world’s best thin and light laptops, according to Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.
“MacBook Air is our most popular and loved Mac, with more customers choosing it over any other laptop. And today it gets even better with the M3 chip and new capabilities,” Joswiak said.
The M3 chip is a game-changer. It makes the MacBook Air up to 60 percent faster than the model with the M1 chip and up to 13 times faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air, according to the company.
This leap in performance is not just about speed; it’s about enabling users to do more. The new MacBook Air models support up to two external displays and offer up to two times faster Wi-Fi than the previous generation.
The new MacBook Air models are not just powerful; they are smart. Apple has boldly claimed that the new M3 MacBook Air is the “world’s best consumer laptop for AI.” This claim is backed by the M3’s faster and more efficient 16-core Neural Engine and accelerators in the CPU and GPU that boost on-device machine learning. This incredible AI performance enables macOS to deliver intelligent features that enhance productivity and creativity.
Apple’s M3 MacBook Air: Power Meets PortabilityApple
The new MacBook Air models also support cloud-based solutions, enabling users to run powerful productivity and creative apps that tap into the power of AI, such as Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365, Canva, and Adobe Firefly. This combination of on-device and cloud-based AI capabilities makes the new MacBook Air models a powerful tool for a wide range of tasks, from checking homework with AI Math Assistance in Goodnotes 6 to automatically enhancing photos in Pixelmator Pro.
Design and UI
The new MacBook Air models are available in four colors: Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Space Grey. The 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 starts at Rs 114,900 and Rs 104,900 for education, while the 15‑inch MacBook Air with M3 starts at Rs 134,900 and Rs 124,900 for education. The 13-inch MacBook Air with M2 chip now starts at Rs 99,900 and Rs 89,900 for education.
They come with a comfortable and quiet backlit Magic Keyboard with a full-height function row with Touch ID, giving users a fast, easy, and secure way to unlock their Mac, sign in to apps and websites, and make purchases with Apple Pay.
The new MacBook Air models also come with macOS Sonoma, which offers a range of features that enhance productivity. Users can now place widgets right on the desktop, interact with them with just a click, and even access the extensive ecosystem of iPhone widgets on the MacBook Air. Video conferencing gets more engaging with features like Presenter Overlay and Reactions.
The new MacBook Air models also work seamlessly across iPhones and other Apple devices. Features like AirDrop, Universal Clipboard, Continuity Camera, and Handoff enable users to share and receive photos, documents, and more across nearby Apple devices, scan or take a picture of something nearby with their iPhone and have it appear instantly on their Mac, and start a task like answering an email on one Apple device and easily finish it on another.
The new MacBook Air models with the M3 chip are a leap in user experience. They are designed to cater to a wide range of users, from students to professionals, and offer a range of features that enhance productivity and creativity.
Google’s move to take action against 10 developers who had refused to comply with its payment policy were removed from its Play list, triggering protests amid developers. While most of them were reinstated, developers says still some are left out.
Google had delisted more than a dozen apps by major Indian digital companies including Matrimony, and Shaadi.com from Play Store.
Applications from companies like Altt, Stage, and Aha streaming platforms, Truly Madly and Quack Quack dating apps, Kuku FM audio content platform, and FRND social networking app were also delisted by Google.
After facing criticism the tech giant reinstated some of the apps such as Shaadi.com, Info Edge’s Naukri, 99acres and NaukriGulf, but many others continue to be delisted.
A majority of apps that were delisted by Google Play last week are yet to be relisted, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) said on Sunday.
Expressing deep concern, the association, in a statement, said that it “considers such harsh measures as unfair and disproportionate” even as the legal procedures are still ongoing.
“Such measures are discriminatory in reference to the practice followed by Google in other jurisdictions, where it has offered preferential terms to app developers in deference to ongoing legal proceedings or legislative developments,” the industry body said.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw speaks in Rajya Sabha during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, in New Delhi on Friday, July 22, 2022IANS
“Needless to say, the Indian tech ecosystem needs to be protected and provided favourable terms that are attuned to the dynamics of the Indian market and support the growth and development of an open internet ecosystem in the country,” it added.
On Saturday, Union IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said he has called Google for a meeting next week and noted that the startup ecosystem is the key to the Indian economy and one big company cannot decide their fate.
“I am hopeful that Google will be reasonable in its approach. We have a large startup ecosystem and it’s crucial to protect their interests.”
“We will take all necessary steps to safeguard our startup ecosystem, and I trust that Google will approach this matter reasonably,” the IT Minister noted.
Lauding the government’s “proactive response, and its commitment to help resolve the issue”, the IAMAI again urged “Google to restore status quo of the apps and re-list them on Play Store“.
FOLSOM, Calif.–One Inc, the main fee community for the insurance coverage business, introduced immediately a expertise integration with Sapiens International Corporation, the main international supplier of software program options for the insurance coverage business. The collaboration will end result within the seamless integration of One Inc’s ClaimsPay® and Sapiens ClaimsPro platforms, offering North American insurers with a swift means to implement digital fee administration options.
The inclusion of One Inc’s ClaimsPay resolution will empower insurance coverage suppliers to effectively distribute claims funds to a variety of recipients. With built-in cellular and net platforms, it gives clients with a contemporary claims expertise that makes use of acquainted cellular expertise similar to Venmo and PayPal, along with direct fee choices.
The collaboration between One Inc and Sapiens started in 2022, with Sapiens efficiently finishing the event of the pre-built integration for his or her ClaimsPro Property & Casualty platform earlier this yr. Sapiens ClaimsPro permits P&C insurers to unlock highly effective, auditable, and configurable AI-driven automation for all strains of enterprise.
“We are thrilled that Sapiens positioned its belief in One Inc and our state-of-the-art digital capabilities to satisfy the fashionable requirements of digital funds and rising buyer expectations inside the insurance coverage business,” mentioned Ian Drysdale, CEO of One Inc. “As insurers adapt their enterprise fashions and processes to leverage the thrilling potential of digital automation, this integration will additional reinforce our mutual dedication to offering an enhanced buyer expertise, aligning seamlessly with an unwavering dedication to excellence.”
“We firmly consider that One Inc is the perfect accomplice to drive the scalability and evolution of our digital platform, guaranteeing that our clients are outfitted with the complete suite of digital instruments required to remain on the forefront of business developments,” said Gayle Herbkersman, Head of North America P&C Insurance Platform Business Unit. “The advantages of the mixing embody enhanced buyer expertise and digital engagement, and improved reporting and reconciliation, in addition to safety and compliance. By becoming a member of forces, we’re assured we will present environment friendly and cost-effective options to our clients.”
In the winter of 2018, as athletes from around the globe converged on Pyongyang for the Winter Olympics, a team of scientists led by the NASA embarked on a mission not for gold, but for data. Their tool? The sophisticated radar for weather observations. I had the opportunity to interview one of the pioneering researchers on the project, Dr. Mohit Kumar, an internationally recognized expert in the field of Weather radars who has a record of significant contributions that have advanced the current state of the art. Dr. Kumar gave me an account of his findings and the real-world implications.
The weather observation radar, a marvel of sophisticated engineering, was strategically positioned at the Daegwallyeong regional weather office, close to the Olympic venues. Operating in high-frequency bands, the radar’s prime objective was to capture detailed snowfall data. This was about understanding the microphysics of snow in mixed-phase clouds – a phenomenon critical in meteorology but challenging to study.
Dr. Kumar explained, “Our work goes beyond the academic curiosity of understanding snow. It has tangible, real-world applications, especially in weather forecasting. For instance, during the Olympics, our data enabled forecasters to predict snowfall patterns more accurately, ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the events.”
Indeed, the practical applications of Dr. Kumar’s research are far-reaching. Accurate snowfall predictions are vital for regions experiencing heavy winter conditions. They influence decisions in urban planning, emergency responses, and even in the scheduling of sporting events like the Olympics. One significant application is in air and road traffic management. “Accurate snowfall predictions mean safer roads and more efficient air travel,” the researcher shared. “Airports can better plan deicing activities and manage flight schedules, while road traffic authorities can optimize snow clearing operations, reducing the risk of accidents and traffic jams.”
Another critical area is agriculture. In many parts of the world, snowmelt contributes significantly to water resources used in irrigation. “Understanding snowfall patterns helps predict water availability for crops,” Dr. Kumar added. This information is crucial for farmers to plan their planting and harvesting schedules. Moreover, his research contributes to climate change studies. Snowfall patterns are indicators of climate trends. “By analyzing these patterns over time, we contribute valuable data to the global understanding of climate change,” said the researcher. The weather radar represents a significant technological leap in meteorological instruments. Traditional radars struggle with differentiating between types of precipitation. However, modern radar has the capabilities to distinguish between rain, snow, and mixed-phase precipitation with unprecedented accuracy.
In the context of disaster management, Dr. Kumar pointed out, “Timely and accurate snowfall predictions can be life-saving in areas prone to avalanches or severe snowstorms.” This is especially pertinent in mountainous regions where sudden heavy snowfall can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Despite the great success, the study wasn’t without challenges. “One of the biggest challenges was the complex terrain of Pyongyang, which presents unique meteorological conditions,” the researcher recalled. They had to account for factors like varying elevations and proximity to the ocean.
The outcomes of Dr Kumar’s research on snowfall observations using the NASA radar during the 2018 Winter Olympics include detailed insights into the microphysics of snowfall and precipitation. His research enabled the differentiation between various types of snow and rain events through the radar’s advanced dual-frequency and dual-polarization capabilities. It provided a deeper understanding of snowfall patterns, especially in complex terrains like Pyongyang, contributing significantly to weather forecasting accuracy. Additionally, the study highlighted the radar’s ability to detect pristine oriented ice crystals within snow clouds, offering new avenues for meteorological research and practical applications in weather prediction and climate studies. The research conducted during the 2018 Winter Olympics is a shining example of how advanced technology can be harnessed for the greater good. As we wrapped up our conversation, Dr. Kumar left me with a thought-provoking statement: “Every snowflake might be unique, but understanding their collective behaviour could be the key to unlocking many of our weather-related challenges.”
In a world where climate change is increasingly impacting our lives, studies like Dr. Kumar’s are not just scientifically significant; they are a necessity. As we brace for future weather uncertainties, it’s reassuring to know that such advancements are paving the way for safer, more predictable interactions with our environment.
Bill Gates Visits Microsoft India Development CentreIANS
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates on Wednesday visited the Microsoft India Development Centre (IDC) in Hyderabad, a centre of innovation that he envisioned in 1998.
IDC is celebrating its 25th year of groundbreaking research, engineering, and development, marking its pivotal role in shaping world-class products such as Azure, Windows, Office, Bing, Copilot, and other AI applications.
“It was rewarding to watch Bill address some of India’s brightest engineering minds at IDC, our biggest asset,” Rajiv Kumar, Managing Director, Microsoft IDC, and CVP, Experiences + Devices India, said in a statement.
Microsoft testing way to automatically launch its Copilot AI in Windows 11IANS
“Echoing his optimism over the opportunity for an AI-powered India, IDC is excited to drive innovation from India for Microsoft – from AI and cloud to security and gaming,” he added.
Earlier this week, Gates announced his plans to visit India in a LinkedIn post, saying, “I can’t wait to learn about how India is finding innovative new ways to advance health, digital public infrastructure, and climate to improve the lives of billions.”
In his blog, the Microsoft co-founder mentioned that he is visiting this week to learn about “how we can continue working with India to help its ideas and inventions reach everyone who needs them, no matter where they live.”
“This will be a main topic when I meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week,” Gates added.
Apple cancels self-driving EV project, to lay off workers: ReportREUTERS/Stephen Lam
In a surprising turn of events, Apple Inc., the multinational technology company, has reportedly put a halt to its autonomous electric car project. This decision is expected to result in the layoff of hundreds of employees from the division. The news, which broke on Wednesday, has sent ripples through the tech industry, marking a significant shift in Apple’s strategic direction.
The autonomous electric car project, known as “Project Titan,” was initiated by Apple back in 2014. The ambitious endeavor aimed to revolutionize the automotive industry, much like how the iPhone transformed the mobile phone sector. However, according to a report by TechCrunch, all work on the project has now ceased, and the company is likely to cut hundreds of employees from the team.
The Apple car project, at its peak, had a workforce of around 1,400 employees. Some of these employees will be reassigned to Apple’s generative AI (GenAI) projects, as the company continues to explore the potential of artificial intelligence.
Project Titan: A Journey of Ups and Downs
In 2021, Apple brought on board Ulrich Kranz, a former BMW executive who played a pivotal role in the i3 programme. Kranz’s hiring was seen as a significant step forward for Project Titan, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to the project. However, the recent developments suggest a change in course.
In December of the previous year, Apple had delayed the launch of its electric vehicle, referred to as the ‘Apple Car’, until 2026. The vehicle was expected to be priced under $100,000, positioning it as a potential competitor to Tesla and other electric vehicle manufacturers.
The initial vision for the Apple Car was a radical departure from traditional automobile design. The iPhone maker intended to create a vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals, allowing passengers to sit facing one another in a limousine-style setup. However, this vision was later scaled back, and the project was set to have a more conventional design with a driver’s seat, steering wheel, and pedals, according to earlier reports.
Apple LogoReuters
Tech Giants and the Automotive Industry: A Tricky Road
This isn’t the first time a tech giant has ventured into the automotive industry, only to face challenges. Google’s parent company, Alphabet, launched Waymo in 2009 with the goal of developing self-driving technology. However, despite significant investments and advancements, Waymo has yet to launch a mass-market self-driving car.
Apple’s decision to shelve Project Titan could be seen as a strategic move to focus on its core competencies. The tech giant has always excelled in creating consumer electronics and software, and the shift away from the autonomous car project could be a sign of Apple doubling down on its strengths.
While the cancellation of Project Titan may be seen as a setback, it’s important to remember that Apple has a history of bouncing back from such situations. The company has faced numerous challenges in the past, but it has always managed to innovate and stay ahead of the curve.
Apple Inc. has reportedly halted its autonomous electric car project, “Project Titan,” resulting in potential layoffs.
The project, initiated in 2014, aimed to revolutionize the automotive industry.
Some employees from the project will be reassigned to Apple’s generative AI projects.
The decision marks a significant shift in Apple’s strategy, focusing more on its core competencies.
Article by Srikant Nandigam, CEO of Vignan Online , the Online studying arm of Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology & Research (Deemed-to-be) University
The world is shifting shortly in the direction of a future dominated by know-how. Technology has modified the means we work, talk, and get info. The mixing of Information Technology (IT) and management is turning into essential in this fast-paced world. As enterprises adapt to the digital period, there’s a rising want for individuals who perceive each IT and management.
The rise of info know-how has remodeled how firms work and make choices. IT has grow to be a vital half of trendy companies, serving to with data-based decisions and streamlined procedures. An Information Technology MBA connects the technical features with strategic management ideas.
Strategic Alignment: Using IT at work should match the firm’s plans somewhat than simply realizing methods to use the know-how. People with an MBA in IT can hyperlink IT initiatives with greater firm objectives nicely, which in the end results in the firm’s success. Innovation and Adaptability: Being capable of change and suppose creatively is essential in the fast-changing digital subject. An MBA program in IT advantages these with a BTech diploma in Computer Science nicely, because it teaches them methods to use new tech, which inspires all the time pondering of new concepts and helps firms keep forward.
Leadership Excellence in IT
Getting an MBA in Information Technology doesn’t simply train technical stuff, however It additionally helps learners know methods to be a frontrunner, which is admittedly essential for making IT initiatives profitable.
Effective Communication: IT leaders want to clarify complicated technical concepts in easy phrases for various individuals to know. Good communication, which is essential for being an excellent chief, will get higher whenever you study and work together with many alternative individuals in an MBA program.
Strategic Decision-Making: Being a frontrunner in IT means making decisions that match the large plan of the enterprise. In an MBA program, you research real-life conditions and examples that can assist you discover ways to make good choices, which is admittedly essential for main in IT.
Team Collaboration: Leading IT initiatives means working along with individuals from completely different components of the firm. MBA packages train you methods to work nicely with others and allow you to construct the individuals expertise it’s worthwhile to lead groups in IT.
Ethical Leadership: When you have got the energy with know-how, you will need to be an excellent chief who makes the proper decisions. MBA packages train you about doing the proper factor, which helps IT professionals make decisions that match what the firm and society anticipate.
The Connection Between IT and Leadership
When IT and management work collectively nicely, it transforms organizations to succeed in their zenith. Getting an MBA in Information Technology actually helps because it makes leaders who know so much about IT and may information organizations to success with good methods.
MBA graduates in IT are digital transformation champions. They assist companies use IT to work higher, be extra inventive, and keep forward. The international nature of the firm necessitates leaders who sense the worldwide penalties of IT choices. an MBA in Information Technology typically teaches this international perspective and helps IT consultants deal with worldwide enterprise easily/seamlessly.
An MBA program that mixes IT and management expertise teaches college students to suppose like entrepreneurs. Graduates don’t simply run issues the common means however they discover and use IT probabilities to make companies greater.
In as we speak’s ever-evolving world, the place know-how and management come collectively, getting an MBA in Information Technology is admittedly essential. It helps make a big effect on how issues change and enhance. When IT and management work collectively, they assist companies change and develop, resulting in new concepts, flexibility, and long-term success. As firms sustain with the digital world, leaders who know so much about each IT and group management will probably be the architects of the future.
Santiago, twenty seventh February 2024. nuam change, the entity ensuing from the combination of the Lima, Santiago and Colombia inventory exchanges, introduced a partnership with Vermiculus Financial Technology, a technological options vendor for the monetary business, to implement a contemporary, versatile technological core for the Central Counterparty Clearing Houses (CCP) in Chile, Colombia and Peru.
Juan Pablo Cordoba, CEO of nuam change
“With Vermiculus as a associate in growing the nuam change post-trade programs, we’re marking a brand new milestone for the unification of our markets. In addition to gaining a cutting-edge technological associate, we envision the potential for enhancing our prospects’ expertise by means of dynamic technological structure in step with the wants of the built-in market,” mentioned Juan Pablo Cordoba, CEO of nuam change.
Vermiculus is a fintech primarily based in Stockholm, Sweden. Although it simply started working in 2020, the corporate is already acknowledged as a number one supplier of know-how options for exchanges, clearing homes and central depositories worldwide. With this new partnership along with nuam change, Vermiculus’ merchandise might be current within the 4 largest monetary markets in Latin America.
Taraneh Derayati, CEO of Vermiculus
“We are proud to ship a system that performs an integral function within the core of this historic merger, empowering one among Latin America’s most vital markets with VeriClear™’s state-of-the-art know-how, along with our deep market experience,” commented Taraneh Derayati, CEO of Vermiculus, and continues: “We sit up for bringing our forefront know-how and sharing our business data with nuam change all through this undertaking and past.”
The new clearing system will embrace commerce and place administration, settlement processing, collateral administration and threat administration. It can even deal with interoperability, actual time threat monitoring, margining and collateral throughout all three CCPs.
In parallel, nuam change is working with the three nations’ regulators to acquire the required approvals to vary the rules for the CCPs in Chile and Colombia—CCLV and CRCC, respectively—and to acquire approval for making a CCP in Peru, establishing its processes and working contracts.
OnePlus Watch 2 comes as a successor to the OG model after a gap of almost three years, forgoing the tradition of annual upgrades seen in other products within the company’s product portfolio. But it looks like the Watch 2 is worth every bit of the wait.
OnePlus launched the Watch 2 for Rs 24,999, with sales starting in India on March 4. OnePlus sent us the review unit for testing the smartwatch, and here are our observations from having used the Watch 2 as a daily driver.
OnePlus Watch 2: Key specs
Display: 1.43-inch AMOLED, 2.5D Sapphire Crystal
CPU: Snapdragon W5 Gen 1
OS: Wear OS 4 + RTOS
RAM: 2GB RAM + 32GB ROM
Dimensions: Length 47mm, width 46.6mmx12.1mm
Weight: 80g with wrist strap
Battery: 500mAh (Up to 100 hours in Smart Mode) with fast charge
OnePlus Watch 2 comes in the company’s signature minimalistic packaging, sans any plastic use. As you lift the box lid, you’re welcomed by the watch, securely tucked with its display facing upwards. Inside the box, you get the charging dock and USB Type-C cable, user manual and safety information cards.
Hands-on review:
OnePlus Watch 2 sent to us is the Radiant Steel, which has a sea-green strap complimenting the steel frame and the beautiful display. Putting on the watch, it wraps around the wrist quite remarkably, without leaving any odd gaps around the edges. I don’t think it will fit just as well on small wrists.
OnePlus Watch 2 reviewIBT
The straps are made of fluororubber, it’s skin friendly and sweat resistance. Wearing it for long hours, even during workouts and showers, doesn’t cause irritation, but it is recommended to dry the straps for a much comfortable wear. Though OnePlus won’t be launching any straps, they are interchangeable, so you can switch them for any 22mm straps.
The watch itself is big and tips the scale on the heavier side. It weighs 80grams with the straps, and 49 grams without the straps. So yes, it’s one of the biggest watches that’ll sit on your wrist, but boy, does it look good.
I love just how meticulously OnePlus has designed the watch, complete with fine cuts and corners. The circular dial may be the same, but there’s so much to it – all in the details. For instance, the bezel has nice circular lines outlining the display, giving it a refined look as though it is part of the display.
The shiny steel casing is as premium as it gets, though it is likely to pick up smudges along the way. The rotating crown sits at the top right, which functions as Home and the other button at the bottom is the shortcut for workout feature. Both the physical buttons are customisable so you can assign any function you’d like, which is a boon for many.
OnePlus Watch 2 reviewIBT
The Home button carries multiple functions, like press and hold to turn on Google Assistant, press once to wake up and double press to launch the most recent app. Same for the bottom one, pressing it twice launches Google wallet, and press and hold to power on the watch / open power menu. Both these buttons stand out prominently in an extended pill-shaped pillar on the side. It may well become one of OnePlus’ signature looks.
OnePlus Watch 2 reviewIBT
As much as I like how the buttons are placed, I’m confused as to why OnePlus didn’t add any function to the rotation of the crown. Call it a habit from using Apple Watch or even Samsung Galaxy Watch, rotating the crown should at least let you easily navigate around the watch menus. Alas.
But the fit and feel of the watch are absolutely premium and easily one of my favourites, despite being large.
The display takes up the most space, but OnePlus made sure it is well justified. The 2.5D sapphire crystal glass gives a subtle curvature. The 1.430-inch round AMOLED display with 466×466 resolution is bright and has good viewing angles. The colours are vibrant and the blacks are deep. The display glass seems quite durable too and hasn’t picked up any scratches. The default max brightness is 600 nits but the peak brightness is 1000 nits, which makes readability under sunlight possible. The touch is smooth and responds very well. OnePlus is so confident of its display that a pattern lock is also an option, so you can just slide your fingers to unlock rather than tap the PIN.
OnePlus Watch 2 reviewIBT
But my favourite part besides the way how the watch looks and feels is watch face. There are plenty of options out there and each on is better than the next. The first day I set up the watch, I was scrolling through the different watch faces in the Health app and loving each and every one. Want an open-face traditional watch look? You got it. Fancy a sporty look? It’s there. One thing’s for sure, your watch won’t look boring to you any given day.
OnePlus Watch 2 reviewIBT
Another interesting aspect of the watch that took me by surprise is the battery. OnePlus claims it can run 100 hours on a single charge if you’re using it in Smart Mode. But even in normal mode, it still gets you two days, which is impressive. This is made possible with two chips inside—yes, two! There’s a Snapdragon W5 chip for Google’s WearOS and a BES 2700 to run RTOS. The latter is for low power activities like connectivity, sleep tracking, heart rate tracking, etc. The W5 chips is active when interacting with the user, for things like running apps, watch faces etc. That’s a really smart way to address one of the biggest pain points of smartwatches, so kudos to OnePlus for that.
OnePlus Watch 2 reviewIBT
We’ll be testing the watch’s capabilities in the fitness tracking arena and if the battery is as good as OnePlus claims. So stay tuned for a full review soon.
Conclusion
OnePlus Watch 2 is a fantastic product that brings the best of smartwatch design and tech together. The performance, so far, has been excellent, the display is great, and the battery is outstanding. Yes, the watch is a bit too large and heavy for some users’ taste, but if you try it on, there’s a good chance you’ll love it.
There are a few setbacks, like a lack of fall detection, a one-size offering, and only two years of software updates, but the rest of the watch is built to give strong competition the wearable industry at large.
