Google has already confirmed that the new Googe Pixel 5 and Pixel 4a 5G won't make to India a couple of months. However, the Google Pixel 4a which was launched in India was confirmed to launch in India.
Last night, after Google's "Launch Night In" event, several users from India on Twitter started asking the company about the availability of the Google Pixel 4a. To which the Made By Google handle responded with the actual launch date of the device.
Hi Roger, we appreciate your interest in our Pixel devices. The Pixel 4a launches in India on October 17th and will be available for purchase on Flipkart. To learn more about the Pixel 4a check out the official blog post here: https://t.co/EOgWtQ7NMg Appreciate it.October 1, 2020
The Pixel 4a launches in India on October 17th and will be available for purchase on Flipkart, said the tweet response to multiple queries about the availability of the Pixel 4a. The teaser page is live on Flipkart for the past couple months.
The Google Pixel 4a offers a 5.81-inch 1080 x 2340 OLED screen that’s fairly compact for a 2020 smartphone. It has a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. The device is powered by a mid-range Snapdragon 730G octa-core chipset, which is paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The battery meanwhile is 3,140mAh, which isn’t massive. It supports 18W fast charging, but there’s no wireless charging.
Since its a Pixel phone, the camera is the USP of the device. It has a single-lens 12.2MP shooter with an f/1.7 aperture and optical image stabilization on the rear. The front camera meanwhile is an 8MP in a punch-hole, and there are stereo speakers along with a plastic back with a fingerprint scanner in the center. The device runs on Android 10 out of the box and the Android 11 update is already out for the same.
As for the pricing, the predecessor, Google Pixel 3a currently retails for Rs 30,999. So, we can expect the Google Pixel 4a to launch in India for around Rs 35,000.
The new bold red color "emboldens people who menstruate to feel proud of who they are." The new campaign wants to encourage people to talk more openly about menstruation.
Dell has cut a huge AU$1,050 off the asking price of its G7 17 gaming laptop, bringing the total price down to just AU$2,449.
If you’re a gamer, you’ll appreciate the G7’s excellent performance thanks to its i7 CPU paired with robust Nvidia RTX 2070 graphics. A relatively low resolution 1080p screen runs at an exceptionally high 144Hz, so you should easily see silky smooth gaming approaching the maximum frames per second this screen is capable of running.
It’s also great for casual use as well as productivity, boasting 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD and a 9th-generation six-core Intel Core i7 processor.
This laptop would suit those who identify themselves as an ‘active gamer’ that requires a new rig to not only play their favourite titles but also to perform a range of other tasks.
If that sounds like you, the Dell G7 17 is definitely a machine worth considering (especially with the enormous AU$1,050 discount).
No code is required to receive the generous discount, meaning you simply have to head to Dell’s online store to secure yours today. Whilst there isn’t a displayed deal expiration date, Dell often refreshes its deals every Friday, meaning this discount may not be here tomorrow. In other words, now's the perfect time to make a decision.
An impressively sleek and slim laptop with 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD and a 9th generation six-core Intel Core i7 processor, Dell’s G7 17 Gaming Laptop also packs in Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 2070 design graphics card for immersive 1080p gaming. Currently discounted by 30% through Dell’s online store – that’s a massive saving of $1,050!View Deal
Get ready for more amazing deals and discounts with Amazon Prime Day starting on October 13. Click here to find out more
from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3l2xWtP
Update(October 1): The Redmi 9i will go on sale again today at 12 noon via Flipkart.
Xiaomi's latest budget phone, the Redmi 9i will be up on sale today for the time. The newest Redmi 9 series device was unveiled in India earlier this week.
The Redmi 9i will go on sale at 12 noon today via Flipkart. The Redmi 9i base variant with 4GB of RAM and 64GB is priced at Rs 8,299. And, the 4GB+128GB variant is priced at Rs 9,299. The device will be available in three colour options - Midnight Black, Sea Blue, and Nature Green.
Starting off with the display, you get a 6.53-inch HD+ IPS display with a 20:9 aspect ratio. The display is also certified by TUV Rheinland for low Blue light. It sports a water-drop notch at the front which houses the selfie camera. On the inside, the device is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Helio G25 chipset clocked at 2GHz. The PowerVR GE8320 GPU will take care of graphics.
The Redmi 9i comes in two storage options with 4GB of RAM common across the variants. You can opt between 64GB and 128GB storage options. Additionally, you also get a microSD card slot which can further expand your storage. Powering the device is a 5,000mAh battery. The battery is capable of 1000 recharge cycles.
For optics, the Redmi 9i is said to come with a 13MP shooter at the rear and a 5MP selfie snapper. The camera comes with a bunch of shooting modes including HDR, portrait, AI modes, and filters. And, finally, as for software, the Redmi 9i runs on MIUI 12 out of the box which is based on Android 10.
Xiaomi unveiled its latest budget centric fitness tracker in India earlier this week. The Mi Smart Band 5 was unveiled in India along with Mi Watch Revolve and a bunch of other AIoT products at Xiaomi's annual Mi Smarter Living event.
The Mi Smart Band 5 will be available on Amazon starting 12 noon today. The Mi Smart Band 5 is available in Black, Teal, Purple, Navy Blue, and Orange colour options. The biggest upgrade in terms of hardware is the 20% larger screen compared to the last-gen Mi Band 4.
While its dimensions dont really change, the Mi Smart Band 5 has a 20% bigger display, now spanning 1.1-inches. It’s an AMOLED touchscreen with a resolution of 126 x 294. The brightness also gets a bump up to 450 nits. Xiaomi tells us that the bands from the previous Mi Bands should also be compatible. The other hardware change comes with the new magnetic charging connector, replacing the finicky old cradle mechanism.
The Mi Smart Band 5 comes with multiple new tracking modes that can check your vital physical and mental stats: stress, breathing, heart rate, sleep tracking and nap tracking, menstrual cycle, step counting, calories, etc. Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) also makes the cut to track progress over time. The total number of workout modes has also been increased to 11 with the addition of yoga, power walking, swimming, jump rope and freestyle.
Hundreds of watch faces will be available at launch, and each can be further customized as per liking. Music and media playback can also be controlled. A notable new feature is the remote shutter control to click pictures on the connected phone. The Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 5 can also be used to unlock Xiaomi phones and laptops, bypassing the need to enter a password.
A battery life of 14 days is claimed, with the power saver mode taking it up to 21 days. The included charger should take it from 0 to full in less than 2 hours.
The VPN firm will provide a one-month trial to users of LastPass Premium and Family packages, which can be activated by logging into the LastPass Vault and accessing the Security Dashboard on the left hand menu.
The move, while unexpected, is logical for two of the biggest players in their respective fields. Rival password manager Dashlane, for example, already offers a VPN service from Anchorfree, the company behind HotspotShield. The combo package costs $60 per year and offers credit monitoring, identity restoration support and identity theft insurance.
Privacy focused bundles are rapidly becoming the norm in the security market, with most big players (e.g. Norton, Bitdefender, F-Secure) offering an integrated approach to security.
While most examples come in the form of software-as-a-service (SaaS), there's also a growing number of providers that offer hardware solutions too, like Torguard.
Just like the rest of the sporting world, it’s been a season like no other for the AFL. Now heading into the first week of the finals series, we’re looking at four powerhouse matches, and it all kicks off tonight.
The road to finals glory starts today (Thursday, October 1 at 7:40pm AEST) with the Power playing to a fired-up home crowd, but the team have its work cut out for it when facing the Cats. Port Adelaide was dominated by Geelong back in round 12, where the Cats lost 91-31.
The Brisbane Lions will face Richmond at the Gabba on Friday, October 2 (7:50pm AEST) in a qualifying final. The Tigers have been in top form, but if Brisbane can handle the pressure and come out on top, the Queensland team will be on its way to securing a home ground final.
St Kilda will meet with the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, October 3 (4:40pm AEST) in an elimination match. This has been a long time coming for the Saints, who will be making their first finals appearance since 2011.
Later that night, West Coast Eagles will face Collingwood in another finals decider (8:10pm AEST / 6:10pm WST). The Magpies started off strong this year, but have since slumped to the bottom of the top eight teams. Collingwood has had a rocky season on and off the field, so this go-hard or go-home match to be played with an Eagles home crowd will be hard won.
Every finals game will be broadcast live online and on free-to-air. Here's how you watch it all unfold in the lead up to the Grand Finals on October 24.
How to watch AFL 2020 Finals Week online
The best place to catch all the qualifiers live online would be on Kayo. This streaming service is dedicated to sports so there won't be any distractions, with the exception of a few ad breaks perhaps.
The advantages with watching footy on Kayo is the versatility – you'll get live interactive stats while the matches are happening, the ability to watch up to three other streams at the same time in SplitView and have all the AFL matches available on-demand later if you happen to miss it all. If you want to just check the highlights, Kayo Mini videos are bite-sized clips of all the best bits.
And, if you haven't signed up yet, you get a 14-day free trial before you need to pay your monthly subscription. If you'd like to know more about the streaming service, take a look at our in-depth Kayo Sports review.
Kayo’s Basic package will let you live stream and catch up on over 50 sports on two devices at the same time. You’ll have access to Kayo’s features such as SplitView, and you can cancel any time as there’s no lock-in contract.View Deal
How to live stream AFL 2020 Finals Week for free
The Seven Network has broadcast rights to all the qualifier games during Finals Week. They'll be available to watch live and free on Seven or 7Mate, depending on which state you're in.
That means, you'll also be able to stream the games on the Seven Network's catch-up app, 7Plus. This platform is available on a web browser, and has apps for both Android and iOS.
How to live stream AFL 2020 Finals Week from abroad
If you're a footy fan who happens to be living outside of Australia, New Zealand or the Pacific Islands, you needn't despair. You can watch every single AFL game this season no matter where you are on the Watch AFL streaming service.
Like Kayo, Watch AFL is also a subscription service and has three different plans to choose from:
For the qualifiers, Watch AFL has a new option called the Finals Pass, which temporarily replaces the monthly plan. It gives customers the ability to watch all the matches during Finals Week as well as the Grand Finals live.
The contents of this streaming service are only available to view outside of Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, but a subscription can be purchased from anywhere. It includes every match in the Premiership, including the fixtures from the Women’s League. Watch AFL allows you to pause and rewind live matches, and also allows you to download matches for offline viewing. While you can watch the livestream on desktop via the website, the Watch AFL app is also available for iOS, Android and Apple TV. You can even cast onto a TV via AirPlay or Google Chromecast.View Deal
from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/3cMlQC4
Redmi 9i smartphone will go on sale today at 12pm (noon). It will be available for purchase via Flipkart, Mi.com, Mi Home stores and Xiaomi partner offline retailers.
Google just announced two new Pixel phones, but on paper they are pretty similar. Find out what separates the Pixel 5 from the Pixel 4A with 5G when it comes to displays, battery life, water resistance and camera hardware.
Asics has launched a new virtual running event, allowing teams from all over the world to compete in a virtual relay for free. Teams can be made up of friends, family members, running clubs, work colleagues, or anyone else you’d like to run with
Virtual running events have existed for years, but have really come into their own during the pandemic as mass participation races are cancelled and people are unable to meet up for regular training face-to-face.
The new event, Asics World Ekiden, is inspired by Japanese running culture. In traditional Japanese races, a ribbon called a tasuki is worn like a sash, and passed from each runner to the next like a baton.
In Asics World Ekiden, the 26.2-mile race is split into six legs of varying lengths to suit the mix of participants. Log your section of the race with the Asics Runkeeper app between November 11 and 22, then pass the virtual tasuki on to the next person.
How to join
The event is being managed through the Asics Runkeeper app, which is available for Android, iPhone and Apple Watch. You can use Runkeeper together with almost any GPS fitness tracker, including Apple Watch, Fitbit and Garmin devices.
You and your team will be able to see your global ranking on an online leaderboard, and each member will get customized in-race audio during their run.
You and your team can sign up directly through Runkeeper, or through the Asics Hub. You can also find more info on Twitter using the hashtag #ASICSWorldEkiden.
Poco's latest budget phone, the Poco M2 will go on open sale starting today. The device was unveiled earlier this month and went on flash sale a few times on Flipkart. Now the company has announced that the device will be available 24/7 on Flipkart.
Starting today noon at 12, the Poco M2 will go on open sale, making it easier for those who are looking for a phone around Rs 12,000. This is also India's cheapest phone with 6GB of RAM.
The Poco M2 comes in two configurations. The 6GB + 64GB variant is priced at Rs 10,999 while the 6GB + 128GB variant is priced at Rs 12,499. Colour options include Pitch Black, Slate Blue and Brick Red.`
We have worked hard to bring enough stocks of India's most affordable 6GB RAM phone, #POCOM2.Buy yours anytime starting tomorrow 12 noon on @Flipkart.Know more: https://ift.tt/36hVu9T pic.twitter.com/ejgglprcv9September 29, 2020
Flat Rs 750 Instant Discount with ICICI Bank Credit Card and Credit and Debit card EMI Transactions. View Deal
(Image credit: Poco)
Poco M2 specs
On the front, the Poco M2 sports a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2,340 x 1,080. There’s also Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection on top. The fingerprint scanner is located under the cameras on the back. The entire phone is also P2i coated for splash-resistance.
The Poco M2 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G80 chipset with. This is an octa-core processor built on the 12nm process. The Mali G52 clocked at 950MHz takes care of the graphics duties. MediaTek’s HyperEngine Gaming technology also makes the cut. It is also the cheapest phone in India to offer 6GB of RAM across the board. There’s up to 128GB of internal storage, which can be further expanded by 256GB via micro SD.
On the back is a quad-camera setup consisting of a 13MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, a 5MP macro shooter and a 2MP depth sensor for portraits. Selfies are handled by an 8MP front camera.
The Poco M2 has a big 5,000mAh battery inside with support for 18W fast charging. A 10W charger is included in the box. It runs on Poco Launcher atop MIUI 11 based on Android 10.
Poco is expected to unveil the Poco X3 in India in the coming weeks.
Realme Narzo 20A will be going on its first sale today, September 30, starting 12pm (noon) via Flipkart and Realme.com. The phone will be available in two colour options and two storage configurations.
Update:Telstra is discounting select NBN plans for a limited time, scroll down to find out more.
A decade after it was first announced and the NBN rollout is almost complete, so there’s a very good chance that wherever you are in Australia, you’ll have access to the nation’s high-speed network.
While different areas will have access to different connection types, some of the trickiest choices you’ll need to make are deciding which internet service provider to go with, which speed tier you’ll need and how much data you’ll use.
Here, we’ll drill down on the best NBN plans currently on offer, whether it be the most affordable option, the highest speeds or the best overall value. Along with our handpicked plans, you’ll also find a live tracker featuring the best NBN plans as, and when, they’re put on offer.
The price for NBN50 plans is steadily creeping up but this one from Tangerine is the best value right now. Starting at a little under AU$60 a month for the first half-year, you'll get unlimited data and no lock-in contract. You'll need your own modem though, or alternatively you can pay AU$119.90 upfront to get the same plan but with an included modem.
Tangerine had long held our number one pick for best NBN100 plan, but it’s now been dethroned by this killer deal from Mate. For AU$79 a month, you’ll get unlimited data and typical evening speeds of 83Mbps – excellent value for a premium plan. There’s no setup fee, and you’ll have the option of using your own modem, or you can pick up a preconfigured one from Mate for AU$165.
Before rushing to sign up to a high-speed NBN1000 plan, there are a couple of caveats you should be aware of. This tier is only available on two types of NBN connection – fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC). And while all FTTP connections can sign up for 1000Mbps, that speed will only work with a select subset of HFC installations – estimated to be roughly 7% of the total.
Aussie Broadband was the first in the market to offer NBN1000 to residential addresses, but that didn’t stop the telco from offering an incredibly competitive plan. For download speeds of up to 1Gbps and upload speeds approaching 50Mbps, you’ll pay just AU$149 a month. Aussie has rightly cautioned potential customers that it’s yet to determine definitive numbers on peak evening speeds, though it’s put forward 215Mbps as its baseline, so you’ll at the very least get that.
If you’re happy to sign up to an NBN1000 plan with a 3000GB data limit, you can opt for this limited time deal with Superloop, where you can save AU$10 each month over your first year – that’s AU$139 each month. That discount is available with the code Whistleout10FOR12 until September 30.
Telstra is now offering a rare discount on some of its NBN plans, so if you’re looking to switch, now’s a good time to do so. The Big T is taking AU$10 per month off this NBN50 plan for your first year with the service, which will save you AU$120 in total. After those first 12 months, your monthly bill will then bump up to the usual AU$90. You can expect unlimited data with typical evening speeds of 44Mbps, which should be enough for the average household looking to stream in HD, and enjoy smooth and responsive gaming. New Telstra customers will have their connection fee waived if they sign-up online, and if you stick with the service for 24 months, you won’t have to pay for the Telstra Smart Modem either (usually AU$216). The discount is only available to new customers, so get in before the offer ends on November 2.
Total minimum cost over 24 months is AU$2,040View Deal
If you’re looking to go with a trusted telco, but are hoping for a competitive price, then this NBN50 plan from Optus offers value for money. For AU$75 a month, you’ll get unlimited data and typical speeds of 44Mbps during the busy evening period. Optus Sport is also included as standard, and the telco’s modem comes with 4G backup. It’s worth noting that there’s an additional AU$99 upfront fee to get started, and if you stick with Optus over 36 months, you won’t have to pay for the modem (usually AU$252).
TPG is a favourite for delivering solid, reliable speeds at a bargain price. The ISP typically ranks well in the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) quarterly report, delivering typical evening speeds of 46Mbps. If you sign up for 18 months, TPG will waive the usual AU$99 setup fee. However, note that a AU$10 delivery fee applies, as well as a AU$20 home phone deposit. While this plan is much cheaper than what’s on offer from the big telcos, be mindful that you could face a contract payout fee of up to AU$350 if you decide to leave early.
Total minimum cost over 18 months is AU$1,289.82View Deal
Live-updated NBN deals: today's best-value plans
Want to see other broadband options? You can use our broadband plan finder to compare a huge range of Australian NBN, broadband and cable plans!
NBN connection types: what you need to know
Australia’s NBN was first proposed as a high-speed network of fibre-optic cable that would reach every home in the country. Following a change in government, that’s not what we've ended up with, with the final rollout combining a mix of old and new technologies.
While the NBN is made up of a multi-technology mix, it’s important to know that you don’t have a choice in what technology is available to you. Different connection types have been built in different areas, so it’s entirely dependent on where you live. Below, we lay out the connection types across the network, and what they mean.
Fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP)
FTTP is a fibre-optic line that runs directly to your home, and therefore is the best type of connection you can have. It requires a device to be installed in your home, and is what was originally intended for every household in Australia when the NBN was first announced.
Fibre-to-the-building (FTTB)
An FTTB connection is most commonly used for connecting apartment blocks and similar buildings to the NBN. In this instance, a fibre-optic line runs to the building’s communications room, and existing technology such as copper wiring is used to connect each apartment from there.
Hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC)
An HFC connection uses existing pay TV (Foxtel) or cable network as the final connection to households. The HFC line will run from your home to the nearest available fibre node.
Fibre-to-the-curb (FTTC)
FTTC is when the fibre-optic cable extends a little closer to your home by connecting to a distribution unit located outside on the street. From there, it uses the copper phone line to run the last leg into your home.
Fibre-to-the-node (FTTN)
The majority of Australian households – around 4.7 million – are using FTTN technology. This connection type uses existing copper phone wire to make the final connection to the home from a central node in your neighbourhood. The distance of your home to the node will affect the average speeds you can reach, so if your home is more than 700m from the node, it’s not advisable to choose an NBN100 plan.
Fixed Wireless
Fixed Wireless connections are used to reach regional and remote areas. Homes in these areas will access the NBN from a transmission tower through an antenna installed on their roof.
Sky Muster satellite
The NBN’s Sky Muster satellite technology is also used to reach regional and remote communities. It requires a satellite dish to be installed on the premises, to which the NBN is received through satellite.
Other factors to consider
It’s important to note these recommendations do not take into consideration other factors which could make certain deals a better option for you. For instance, do you already have a Telstra or Optus mobile plan and home phone line? If so, sometimes combining them with their respective NBN plans could save you some money.
When applying for a new NBN deal, make sure you’re not already signed up to a contract you can’t get out of – most contracts are on 12 or 18 month terms, so it’s important to contact your current provider before committing to anything else.
Another thing worth noting is some services may not be available in your area. If a particular deal seems good to you, head over to the provider’s website to find out if it’s available at your address.
from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/2CFEz4b
Update:Withthe newer Galaxy S20 rangeon our shores, there aren't as many telcos and retailers stocking the S10 (currently, it's just Telstra, and they're out of stock) but that doesn't stop you from scoring a bargain. Check below for the best plan option, outright handset, and SIM-only plans on offer.
With the Samsung Galaxy S10 and its more expensive, and more affordable, siblings landing in Australia, everyone's eager to get their hands on what is shaping up to be one the best Android handsets around.
While you can learn everything there is to know about the handset in our hands-on Samsung Galaxy S10 review, we know you're really here to check out what it takes to get yourself one of these shiny flagships, so this page will cover the best plans available.
This plan is the most well-balanced of Telstra's offerings, with a very solid 80GB of data included, along with neat extras like 3 months of Binge streaming service and data-free sports and Apple Music streaming. Total cost over 24 months is $2,928 View Deal
Samsung Galaxy S10 outright handsets
SIM-only plans
from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/2WeWrr4
Experts say the race to develop an effective vaccine may be jeopardizing patient safety, especially in China, where unproven vaccines are being widely dispensed.
The concepts, which range from a turboprop commuter plane to a blended wing design, would fly with modified gas turbine engines that burn liquid hydrogen as fuel.
Did you know phone number theft is a thing? Well, it is. Here's what to watch out for, and how to prevent hackers from getting the keys to your online accounts.
The first round of baseball's postseason starts Tuesday with four American League games: Astros versus Twins, White Sox versus A's, Blue Jays versus Rays and Yankees versus Indians.
Alienware AW5520QF display -$3,039.99 (25% off)
(£2,129) This massive 55-inch Alienware monitor has had an equally massive price cut. It's currently available at 25% off, so grab it while you can!View Deal
The Alienware AW5520QF is billed by Dell as the first 55-inch OLED gaming monitor, but creatives looking for a display for video and photo editing will certainly appreciate its clarity, infinite contrast and wide color gamut.
Beyond the screen real estate and truer-than-true blacks, this monitor offers 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate that will all but eliminate screen tearing (note that there’s no HDR or HDMI 2.1).
Busy desk owners will also appreciate the number of input connectors: three HDMI 2.0 ports, one DP 1.4, four USB 3.0 ports, one SPDIF out, built-in speakers and one headphone out jack.
Improvements? Well, we’d love to have seen a webcam (with privacy shutter) included, plus built-in Google Chromecast and a microphone array. The warranty is also on the expensive side; opting for the three-year advanced exchange service with premium panel exchange bumps the price up by 14%.
Our reviewer was impressed with this monstrous piece of technology: “its sheer size, combined with the 4K resolution and high refresh rates, can turn even the most humdrum game into a thrilling cinematic experience. You’ll need a powerful PC to take advantage of the Alienware AW5520QF to its fullest, but if you do, you could be very impressed."
Poco X3 will be going on its first sale today at 12pm (noon) via Flipkart. Key features of the Poco X3 include a large 6,000mAh battery, a quad rear camera setup featuring a 64-megapixel primary sensor, and the octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G SoC.
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has today released its tenth quarterly performance report on the NBN, carrying on its plan to provide broadband customers an accurate idea of how different providers and technologies are performing over time.
The latest report collates data from a 30-day period spanning May 22 until June 20, 2020 – the first the ACCC has released that includes data during the Covid period of increased demand, from Australian residents working, schooling and generally spending more time at home.
Apart from one outlier RSP and the specific tests that it underperformed in (more on that below), most NBN providers are coping admirably during the increased load that they’ve been met with due to Covid and the resulting surge in demand it brought about.
The average download speed of all providers during the busy hours (7-11pm) fell between 82.8% and 90% of the maximum plan speed, while the bracket for the busiest hour from that window was between 78% and 88.4%.
Compared to the previous reporting figures, every single provider managed to bump their performance up in the busy hour download average test, while only Dodo and iPrimus dipped (by 1%) in the busiest hour metric.
Every NBN speed tier (as well as ADSL) saw an increase since last quarter to its overall average download speed as well, with NBN100 jumping from 84.5Mbps to 88.0Mbps and NBN50 rising slightly from 42.6Mbps to 43.3Mbps.
As far as the variance in average speed between different technologies, the story has remained rather similar since the last report. For both NBN50 and NBN100 plans, FttP (Fibre-to-the-Premises) and HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial) connections provide around 92% of the maximum speeds they promise, while FttN (Fibre-to-the-Node) only manages about 82%.
While most Retail Service Providers (RSPs) performed fairly similarly when comparing average speeds across different tiers, one provider, MyRepublic, did struggle to keep up in a handful tests.
When watching Netflix during busy peak hours, for example, the company's NBN50 plans had difficultly maintaining the necessary speeds to support three or more simultaneous streams, as shown in the ACCC’s chart below.
Chart comparing capacities of RSPs to handle multiple HD Netflix streams.(Image credit: ACCC)
While all the other measured RSPs had almost 100% of their NBN services capable of handling two, three, or four HD Netflix streams, MyRepublic’s capacity dropped significantly with the introduction of each new Netflix instance beyond two.
Another hurdle the provider didn’t clear was the average latency of its broadband services during both regular and busy hours. While most RSPs were able to keep latency within 10-13ms for the most part, MyRepublic almost doubled this at 20.6ms during normal hours and 21.8ms during busy hours.
Chart comparing average latency of connections between RSPs.(Image credit: ACCC)
Latency is a significant factor for activities that require user feedback – most notably video conferencing and online gaming – but as pointed out by the ACCC, “latency at even 30ms would have a detrimental effect on only the most latency-sensitive applications.”
In other words, while the comparative performance may look bad, the impact on real-world use is likely to be limited.
MyRepublic did have one of the lowest occurrences of average daily outages across the board, however it’s worth noting that the outages the RSP did face were more likely to last longer (it had the highest proportion of outages lasting 10 minutes or more) suggesting higher resilience overall but a much slower recovery.
For further info, visit ACCC's page to see graphics depicting the latest broadband performance findings.
Telstra is taking the fight for broadband customers directly to the NBN Co, with Australia's biggest telco set to announce a 5G fixed-wireless offering, which the company is hoping will tempt users away from the nation’s broadband network.
The NBN alternative is expected to be available from Telstra tomorrow (Wednesday, September 29), and will deliver 500GB of data to homes through the telco’s 5G network for AU$85 a month.
Telstra says it will first be invitation-only, and it expects customers on the new 5G broadband service to be able to reach a typical speed of between 50Mbps and 300Mbps in the busy evening hours.
The actual speed each customer will receive will be dependent on their proximity to a 5G tower, and how many other users are using the same connection in your area.
Telstra isn’t the only one to challenge NBN Co with 5G – Optus was the first to join the fight, and it has a 5G plan with unlimited monthly data at AU$75 per month.
The major telcos move into the 5G fixed-wireless market lets them use their own existing 5G networks, meaning they don't have to pay the NBN a wholesale price to use its technology.
But Telstra arguably can’t afford to be as brazen as Optus in pursuing NBN customers to switch. The company signed a non-compete agreement with the NBN Co as part of a larger deal between the two which allowed NBN Co to secure some of the telco’s infrastructure assets (such as copper phone lines), as reported by the Australian Financial Review.
If Telstra breaks that agreement, it may no longer receive one-off payments from NBN Co when its customers move from older connections, such as ADSL to the NBN.
Who’s a 5G fixed-wireless service for?
A Telstra spokesperson told the Sydney Morning Herald that it will initially be targeting customers who are “having the poorest experience today”, and that includes older ADSL connections and the NBN.
It’ll be seeking those who have frequent faults and outages through their current technology.
The company said it plans to open up wider access over the course of the next 12 months, as its 5G infrastructure is further rolled out and faster mmWave equipment becomes more common.
Telstra NBN plans compared
from TechRadar - All the latest technology news https://ift.tt/344KD0g
With so many shows and movies to choose from on Australia's major streaming services, it can often be difficult to find the best new stuff to watch each week.
In an effort to make things easier, every Monday we'll be hand-picking the best new shows and movies to watch on Aussie streaming platforms each week, covering the likes of Netflix, Disney Plus, Binge, Stan and Amazon Prime Video.
Below, you'll find a list of this week's highlights, separated by streaming service, with binge-worthy new shows sitting alongside some great big-budget new movie arrivals – and a couple of oddball left-of-field entries, just for some variety.
Thankfully, there's a nice selection of new shows and great movies landing on Australia's streaming services this week. Here are our streaming picks for the weekend of September 28 to October 4, 2020.
Netflix
David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (Documentary – available 4/10/2020)
He's narrated countless documentaries about the world around us – now it's time for David Attenborough's time in the spotlight. In the feature-length documentary David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, the celebrated naturalist is reflects on his life while offering his concerns for the future of planet Earth.
The Walking Dead: World Beyond (TV Series – available 2/10/2020)
In this new spin-off of The Walking Dead, we follow a group of teenagers who are the first generation to come of age after the apocalypse. According to the show's synopsis, "Some will become heroes. Some will become villains. In the end, all of them will be changed forever." The Walking Dead: World Beyond will consist of only two seasons before it concludes.
Based on true events, the sublime Ford v Ferrari recounts the infamous rivalry between American automaker Ford and Italian automaker Ferrari that would come to a head at the 1966 Le Mans 24-hour endurance race. In an attempt to beat Ferrari at its own game, Ford hires car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) to design a capable performance vehicle. Of course, he'll need a driver worthy of it, which is where the brash but brilliant Ken Miles (Christian Bale) steps in.
Raised By Wolves: Season Finale (TV Series – available 1/10/2020)
In this epic science fiction series produced by Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner), Androids have been tasked with raising human children on a mysterious and unforgiving planet. Now heading into its season finale, all ten episodes of Raised by Wolves will be available to stream on Binge from October 1.
One of the first shows to arrive on Stan as part of its partnership with NBC Universal's new Peacock streaming service, Code 404 is a comedy show in which a top London cop (Daniel Mays) is brought back from the dead using artificial intelligence. if only he wasn't such a goofball. Also stars Stephen Graham (Boardwalk Empire).
Redmi 9A will be going on sale in India today starting 12pm (noon) via Amazon and Mi.com. The Redmi 9A comes in two RAM + storage configurations and three colour options. The phone is powered by the MediaTek Helio G25 SoC and packs a 5,000mAh battery.
Xiaomi is hosting a Smarter Living 2021 event in India today. The company has teased the arrival of the Mi Smart Band 5, along with its first smartwatch in India. This watch is expected to be called the Mi Watch Revolve, which is essentially a rebadged model of the Mi Watch Color launched in China earlier. Xiaomi is also rumoured to launch Mi Smart AI speaker at the e...
Jio users are taking to the Internet with complaints about Twitch being blocked by the telecom operator. Both Reliance Jio and Jio Fiber subscribers are reporting of this issue. Users report that this arbitrary blockage began around the same time as IPL 2020 cricket tournament kicked off.
Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro smartphones are set to launch on September 30, and complete specifications as well as renders of the two phones have leaked. The specifications and renders come courtesy of a known tipster on Twitter, leaving very little to the imagination.
China must engage in a new "long march" in the technology sector now that the US has imposed export restrictions on Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), the country's largest chip manufacturer, Chinese state-backed tabloid the Global Times wrote.
After months of delays and much secrecy, Amazon Prime Day has been confirmed to be taking place in Australia next month, with the official deals slated to kick off on Tuesday, October 13 at 12am (AEDT).
The Australian deals will run for 48 hours, until Wednesday, October 14 at 11:59pm (AEDT).
But that’s not your only chance to score a bargain – discounts from Amazon’s US store will also be made available to Aussie Prime members through the global store. US deals are set to wrap up on Thursday, October 15 at 6pm (AEDT), making this year’s Prime Day a 66-hour event.
Amazon Prime Day is exclusive to Prime subscribers, and the e-commerce giant says tens of thousands of items will be discounted from the likes of Samsung, Bosch and many more.
There are already some early Prime Day deals available on Amazon’s services: you can score four months of Amazon Music Unlimited for just AU$0.99, while avid readers (or rather, listeners) can pick up a three-month free trial of Audible.
If you’re a film buff, subscribers can also rent popular flicks for AU$0.99 from the Prime Video Store from October 7. Or if you have a Kindle, Prime members can pick up a three-month Kindle Unlimited subscription for free from October 1, after which it'll revert to AU$13.99 a month.
You won’t be locked into a membership either, so you’re free to leave before the end of your trial period without spending a cent.
Aside from accessing a treasure trove of Prime-exclusive deals, a membership also gets you free, expedited shipping of Prime eligible products, so you can snap up deals as they land without having to fork out for shipping costs.
A Prime subscription also nets you Prime Video and Prime Gaming (previously known as Twitch Prime), and will cost you AU$6.99 a month after your free 30-day trial.
The Xiaomi Mi 10 marked an emphatic entry into the premium smartphone market, a space which the company had barely explored in the past. With all the feedback and experience under its belt, Xiaomi is all set to unveil its second mainstream flagship of the year—the Mi 10T series.
Xiaomi has followed a bi-annual refresh cycle for its flagships over the last few years. Even with 2020 being quite a setback, it looks like the same philosophy will be followed this year as well. There’s not much currently known about the Mi 10T series, except that they exist and will succeed the Mi 10 from earlier in the year. It is an important device from Xiaomi as the Mi 10 Ultra will not be available outside of China, leaving big shoes to fill later this year.
With the launch nearing, we now have a lot more information about the Mi 10T family, thanks to premature Amazon listings and a barrage of leaks.
Cut to the chase
What is it? The successor to the flagship Mi 10
When is it out? Mid-October in India
What will it cost? Around Rs 40,000
Xiaomi Mi 10T release date and price
Unlike the Mi 10 Ultra, the Xiaomi Mi 10T family will be available in global markets. The series will be unveiled on September 30 at 5.30 pm IST in Europe and is expected to launch in India in the coming weeks.
There will be three phones in the series: the Mi 10T, the Mi 10T Pro and the Mi 10T Lite. It's unclear if all of them will be available in all markets.
Qualcomm has confirmed that its new Snapdragon 750G chipset will debut on a Xiaomi phone this year. We believe that the Mi 10T Lite will take that honour as a new affordable 5G smartphone that starts under €300.
Xiaomi is known to be very competitive with its smartphone pricing. While that was true for the Mi 10 as well, it was considerably more expensive than anything else from the company. There are no hints at the pricing of the Mi 10T series, but we’re hopeful of a lower starting price this time.
As far as the listed pricing goes, the Mi 10T Pro 8GB + 128GB variant was listed for 666 euros which is roughly around Rs 58,000 and the 8GB + 256GB variant was listed for 675 euros(~Rs 59,000). The Xiaomi Mi 10T was listed for 547 euros for the 6GB + 128GB variant which is around Rs 48,000.
For context, in India, the Mi 10 is priced at Rs 49,999 for the base variant while the Mi 10 Pro didn’t launch in India. However, Ishan Agarwal suggests that the Mi 10T will be priced at around Rs 35,000.
Another report suggests that Xiaomi's upcoming 108MP phone will be relatively cheaper, leading us to believe that it could start at under Rs 40,000.
We're going to launch a new 5G smartphone this September and it will start from €2XX!As a new member of our #Mi10 Series, it will be the first to feature an upcoming brand-new @Qualcomm Snapdragon 7-Series 5G Mobile Platform. Amazing value for money to allow #5GForEveryone! pic.twitter.com/yR3r0cEOmZSeptember 1, 2020
In terms of design, Mi 10T series should be similar to its predecessor, with a big curved display on the front and a colourful class back with a sizeable camera array - elements that have become pretty standard for flagships this year.
According to the leaked image that was obtained from Amazon Spain, both the Mi 10T Pro and vanilla Mi 10T come with a similar design including the camera module. While the Mi 10T Pro is said to come with 108MP quad-camera setup, the Mi 10T will stick to 64MP quad-camera stack. The Mi 10T Pro was leaked in Grey colour and the Mi 10T was listed in Black colour option.
Latest leaks suggest that the Mi 10T and 10T Pro will a 6.67-inch LCD panel with a Full HD+ resolution with a refresh rate of 144Hz. The fingerprint scanner will be embedded within the power button on the side.
When it comes to the performance on the flagship devices, it has been a very straightforward choice for the smartphone makers, and since the availability of MediaTek’s Dimensity chipsets outside of China is still a bit sketchy, the Mi 10T series is expected to bring in the Snapdragon 865 chipset onboard.
An upgrade to the Snapdragon 865 Plus seems unlikely as that chipset has been reserved for gaming smartphones for now. Along with that, we expect at least 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, so performance shouldn't be an issue.
(Image credit: Xiaomi India)
Camera
The key highlight of the Mi 10 series was the camera. Both the Mi 10 and the Mi 10 Pro packed in a 108MP primary snapper. While the Mi 10 had an ultrawide (13MP), macro (2MP), and a depth (2MP) sensor, the Mi 10 Pro had a couple of telephoto lenses (8MP and 12MP) followed by a 20MP ultra-wide camera.
Latest leaks suggest that the Mi 10T Pro will have a triple-camera array with a 108MP primary shooter, a 13MP ultra-wide lens and a macro shooter. The omission of a telephoto lens will be disappointing. The vanilla Mi 10T is said to opt for a 64MP primary camera with no OIS.
On the front, the Mi 10T series is said to come with a single punch-hole cut-out on the left. The Mi 10 series featured a 20MP selfie snapper and the same is also expected for the Mi 10T series if not an additional wide-angle snapper.
Battery
The Mi 10 packed in a 4,780mAh battery while the Mi 10 Pro packed in a slightly lower 4,500mAh battery. While the Mi 10 supported 30W wired and wireless fast charging the Mi 10 Pro supported 50W wired fast charging and 30W wireless fast charging.
According to reports, the battery on the Mi 10T series will be rated at 5,000mAh, with minor differences between the models. The charging speeds are almost certain to get faster, but doubt if the new 120W turbocharging will make the cut. Wireless charging, on the other hand, most likely will.
