Tech
Names of 'Bangabandhu International Cyber Security Awareness Award' recipients announced
The names of the recipients of "Bangabandhu International Cyber Security Awareness Award 2023" were announced on Thursday.State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Junaid Ahmed Palak announced the names of the recipients at the prize distribution ceremony held at the Grand Ballroom of Hotel Radisson Blue Water Garden.
Also read: Bangabandhu global cyber security awareness award to be introduced: PalakContestants from different countries around the world won the award in five categories.
Bangladeshi Teenager Tamjid Rahman received the Cyber Security Awareness and Education award for students in the competition. He is working to create safe online awareness under the slogan 'Janle Ain, Safe Online'.
Also read: UNDP, ICT Division sign deal to launch cybersecurity awareness campaign
Two organizations received the Cyber Security Innovation Award for Entrepreneurship. One is the `End Now Foundation’ from India and the other is the ‘Bite Capsule’ from Bangladesh.Two initiatives also received Cyber Security Leadership Awards for government officials, public service providers, and professionals. One is the ‘Digital Security Cell’ of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), and the other is the ' Bangladesh Police Women Network'.
Also read: Bangladesh wants to work as knowledge partner with Tripura: Palak‘Pathchala Foundation’ received the Bangabandhu International Cyber Security Awareness Special Recognition Award. It is an initiative of the third-gender community.Junaid Ahmed in his speech at the event said,”Four things are important to ensure cyber security. First, awareness; to ensure cyber security, it is important to ensure awareness at all levels, second, technology development. Thirdly, Development Policy Framework and fourthly, International Cross border Collaboration.”He also said that more private sector initiatives are needed. “Without government and private sectors’ initiatives we cannot succeed.”Bangladesh has launched the "Bangabandhu International Cyber Security Awareness Award" for the first time, with the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority and the Digital Security Agency of the ICT Division spearheading the effort, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bangladesh.
This award, named after Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation, aims to recognize individuals and organizations worldwide, with a particular focus on the least developed countries, encouraging them to undertake innovative initiatives in cybersecurity awareness.Winners in each category received a cash prize of $10,000. The funding was raised through the 'Golden Jubilee Bangladesh Concert' held in New York's Madison Square Garden in 2022.Md. Shamsul Arefin, Secretary, ICT Division ,Stefan Liller, Resident Representative, UNDP; GSM Zafrullah, Managing Director, Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority; Abu Saeed Md Kamruzzaman, Director General, Digital Security Agency were, among others, present at the event.
Xiaomi Pad 6 Review: Can It be a True iPad Alternative?
Released in April and initially available in China, the Xiaomi Pad 6 has gradually made its way to international markets. Now this device is available in Bangladesh. Xiaomi is renowned for its reputation in two key areas: delivering robust devices at affordable prices and occasionally burdening users with intrusive software. However, with the Pad 6, Xiaomi takes a departure from its typical approach. Not only does this tablet promise performance at a budget-friendly price point, but it also presents users with a refreshing experience of unobtrusive and user-friendly software.
Key Specifications of Xiaomi Pad 6
Design
The Xiaomi Pad 6 boasts a sleek design with dimensions of 254 mm by 165.2 mm by 6.5mm and a weight of 490g, making it a lightweight and portable option. It offers three attractive color choices - Gold, Gravity Grey, and Misty Blue, providing a level of versatility not seen in some competitors.
Constructed with an aluminum frame and corning Gorilla Glass 3 protecting the front display, the Pad 6 exudes a premium feel. While it resembles the iPad Air to some extent, it still makes a strong first impression with its minimal bezels and modern aesthetics. The device includes a folio case, with optional stylus and keyboard cases available separately.
Notably, it lacks biometric security features, relying on a PIN for sensitive app authentication. Additionally, it can connect to a Xiaomi Smart Pen (2nd gen), offering a useful tool for note-taking and drawing with minimal lag.
Read more: Honor Pad 8 Review: A budget-friendly capable Tablet
Display
The Xiaomi Pad 6's display is an 11-inch IPS LCD panel with a commendable 2880 x 1800 resolution and a high 144Hz refresh rate, supporting Dolby Vision HDR and reaching up to 550 nits of brightness. This impressive spec sheet translates well into real-world performance. The screen lives up to its marketing promises, delivering a fast and fluid user experience.
HDR content appears vibrant, enhancing highlights, and the 2880 by 1800 pixel resolution ensures content remains sharp and detailed. While it falls slightly short in resolution compared to the OnePlus Pad, it outperforms competitors like the realme Pad and Oppo Pad Air.
It's worth noting that the Pad 6 employs IPS technology rather than OLED, which may impact factors like brightness and contrast, but it still offers strong, accurate colors and sufficient brightness for most tasks. With an 11-inch size, it strikes a perfect balance between productivity and comfort, making it a versatile choice for various use cases.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Pad Review: Budget Tablet Worth Consideration
Cameras
The camera setup on the Xiaomi Pad 6 is rather intriguing, as tablets typically don't prioritize camera quality as much as smartphones. However, the Pad 6 stands out in this regard.
It features a single 13MP f/2.2 rear camera and an 8MP f/2.2 front-facing camera, lacking some advanced features like optical image stabilization but delivering surprisingly good image quality.
While it's important to consider this in the context of tablet photography, the Pad 6 impresses with its saturated and vibrant colors, decent detail in most shots, and an effective HDR mode that handles challenging lighting situations well. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect is its night mode, which significantly enhances low-light photos, a feat that is genuinely surprising for a tablet.
While it may not surpass premium smartphone camera results, the Pad 6 offers enough photographic capability to suffice in various situations, making it a standout among tablets in this aspect.
Read more: Symphony SYMTAB 80 Review: Budget Tablet for Regular Use
Performance and Hardware
The Xiaomi Pad 6 impresses with its robust performance capabilities, aligning with the company's reputation for offering affordability without sacrificing power. It comes equipped with either 6GB to 8GB of RAM and 128GB to 256 GB of storage, running on a Snapdragon 870 processor 5G 7nm. Though this chipset is from the previous year, still it delivers excellent performance in day-to-day usage.
Basic tasks like navigating the interface, browsing, and emailing are swift and smooth, as expected, but the Pad 6 also delivers solid gaming performance, even at high graphics settings, maintaining a playable frame rate.
10 Best GPS Trackers for Cars in Bangladesh
In a world where cars serve as essential parts for both personal commutes and services like Uber, their safety and security have never been more critical. Car theft remains a pervasive concern, leaving owners and drivers vulnerable to substantial losses. However, in 2023, the solution to this problem lies in advanced technology – GPS trackers for cars. These devices not only enhance the security of the vehicle but also provide a myriad of benefits, from optimizing routes for businesses to lowering insurance premiums.
Necessity of GPS Trackers for Cars
Enhanced Security: GPS trackers provide real-time location data, facilitating theft recovery and ensuring the safety of the vehicle and its occupants.
Fleet Management: Businesses can optimize routes, monitor fuel efficiency, and enhance employee productivity by tracking their vehicles.
Lower Insurance Premiums: Improved risk management and driver behavior tracking can lead to reduced insurance costs for car owners and commercial fleets.
Peace of Mind: GPS trackers offer peace of mind to vehicle owners and loved ones, knowing that they can locate the vehicle at any time.
Efficiency: Real-time data enables more efficient travel, whether for personal or business use, reducing wasted time and resources.
Valuable Information: GPS trackers generate valuable data on vehicle usage and performance, aiding in decision-making and maintenance.
Compliance: Certain industries and regulations may require the use of GPS trackers to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
Read more: Top Super Luxury Cars for 2023
Top 10 GPS Trackers for Cars in Bangladesh in 2023
Autonemo GPS Tracking Service
Autonemo GPS Tracking Service, launched in 2022 by Autonemo Limited in Bangladesh, offers a range of cutting-edge features and technical specifications to enhance the vehicle tracking experience. With real-time fuel monitoring, users can save up to 30% on fuel costs and closely track their vehicle's mileage and fuel efficiency. The Route Replay feature allows the users to review past routes, providing valuable insights into the vehicle's history. Detailed records of daily mileage and fuel usage are kept with high accuracy.
The users can pinpoint their car's exact parking spot and monitor the duration of parking, while also configuring automated alerts for added security. Geofence alerts notify the users when their vehicle enters or exits specific areas. Autonemo doesn't stop at tracking alone; they offer a 100% genuine supply of automotive parts, accessories, and lubricants through their online shop.
As for pricing, Autonemo offers various options, including the Autonemo Premium GPS Tracker at BDT 8000, the Autonemo Standard GPS Tracker for Car-Microbus-SUV at BDT 6000, and the Autonemo GPS OBD Plug and Play GPS Tracker for Hybrid-Brand New Cars at BDT 5500.
Pros
- Real-time fuel monitoring can lead to significant fuel savings.- Detailed route replay helps track vehicle movements and verify routes.- Accurate daily mileage and fuel tracking for better cost control.- Parking times feature aids in vehicle security and monitoring.- Geofence alerts enhance safety and security.
Cons
The availability of certain features might depend on the subscription plan chosen.
Read more: How to Reduce Oil Consumption in Cars
Grameenphone Smart Vehicle Tracker
Grameenphone's Smart Tracker is a comprehensive GPS solution for both individual vehicles and fleets. This telematics system offers precise vehicle location tracking, driver behavior monitoring, engine diagnostics, and real-time notifications. It employs satellite GPS and GSM communication, supporting various vehicle types.
With BTRC approval, it ensures high accuracy, nationwide installation, and 24/7 support. The platform is stable with 99.9% uptime, and it comes with a generous extended device replacement warranty of up to 5 years. Notable features include smart geo-fencing, remote engine diagnosis, and audio listening. For pricing details, it's advisable to contact Grameenphone directly.
There are two types of GPS trackers offered by Grameenphone. One is a wireless system called eVTS that charges BDT 3,599 and a monthly subscription fee of BDT 299. The other one is a wired system that charges BDT 3,999 for the device and a monthly subscription fee of BDT 399.
Pros
- High accuracy and strong M2M connectivity.- Nationwide installation and robust aftersales support.- Comprehensive features for fleet management and security.- Compatibility with a wide range of vehicles.- Dedicated hotline support and extended warranty.
Cons
The availability of certain features might depend on the subscription plan chosen.Users may need to inquire about specific technical details and compatibility for their vehicles.
Read more: Autonemo awarded vehicle tracking service license by BTRC
Easytrax GPS Tracking Service
Easytrax GPS Tracking Service, introduced in 2016, stands out as a top contender in the GPS tracking service arena with a wealth of impressive features. Users can harness the power of real-time fuel monitoring, precise daily mileage tracking, and the ability to replay historical routes. The service also offers geofence alerts, essential maintenance scheduling, and the unique capability to monitor multiple vehicles within a single platform.
With access to six distinct map views, including street and satellite perspectives, Easytrax provides unmatched flexibility. Users can remotely control their vehicle's engine, receive movement updates through email, SMS, or notifications, and even get alerted to idle vehicles or excessive speeds. Furthermore, advanced features like tamper alerts, location marking, fleet vehicle tracking, real-time fuel management, and intelligent GPS electronic locks elevate the level of asset security.
Driver monitoring and reporting tools keep businesses well-informed, while Google Live Traffic updates ensure real-time access to critical traffic information. Easytrax offers a wide range of pricing options, starting at just 2,999 BDT, making these advanced features accessible to a broad spectrum of customers.
Pros
- A comprehensive set of features for both individual users and businesses.- Robust fleet management tools, including route monitoring and real-time fuel management.- Advanced features like intelligent GPS electronic lock for asset protection.- Easy online sign-up process and a network of nationwide distributors.- Affordable pricing options and potential cost savings for clients.
Cons
- Performance may be affected in areas with poor network coverage- Limited international availability
Read more: How to Get BRTA Smart Card Driving License
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Review: What are the key upgrades?
The Xiaomi Redmi "Note" series is renowned for its exceptional balance of performance, affordability, and innovative features. Redmi Note 13 debuted in China on September 21, 2023. The phone has come with some strong features within an affordable price range. Let’s dive into the key specs, advantages and disadvantages of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G.
Key Features of Redmi Note 13 5G
Design
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 boasts an impressive blend of design, build quality, and robust features that make it a standout smartphone in its class. Measuring at 161.1 mm by 75 mm by 7.6 mm and weighing just 173.5 grams, it strikes a perfect balance between portability and usability. The device offers dual SIM card slots (Nano-SIM), allowing for versatile connectivity options.
One of its standout features is its IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, assuring users that it can withstand the challenges of daily life, such as accidental spills or exposure to light rain. The ceramic back not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances durability, protecting the phone from potential damage and corrosion due to liquid contact. Complementing this is the sleek glass-and-aluminum frame, which not only adds an extra layer of sturdiness but also elevates its visual appeal.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Review: Is it a value-for-money midrange phone?
Display
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 excels in the display department, as it doesn’t fall behind the expectation. Its 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED panel with a 395 ppi pixel density. It provides sharp and detailed visuals and standard experience while watching videos, gaming, and web browsing. For maintaining the brightness level, it offers ultra-bright 1000 nit peak brightness. The display also includes of HDR10+ support that enhances contrast and dynamic range which surely adds to its colors and clarity.
Comparing it to its predecessor, the Xiaomi Note 12, the Redmi Note 13 offers a similar AMOLED technology and 120Hz refresh rate. However, the Note 13 slightly lowers the peak brightness to 1000 nits from the Note 12's 1200 nits, but both models share the same pixel density of 395 ppi.
Hardware and Software
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 impresses with its hardware capabilities, driven by the powerful Mediatek Dimensity 6080 chipset built on a 6nm architecture. This chipset handles everyday multitasking to demanding applications and games well enough compared to the processor of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 processor SM4375 Snapdragon 4 Gen 1. The octa-core CPU configuration, featuring 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, provides a good balance of power and efficiency.
Read more: vivo Y17s Review with Price in Bangladesh
Furthermore, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 supports fast charging, a valuable feature for users constantly on the move. This ensures that your device can quickly regain its charge, minimizing downtime.
The phone runs on Android 13 with Xiaomi's MIUI 14 overlay. MIUI 14 brings several unique features to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13. Users can customize their home screen with "Super Icons," adjusting icon sizes and layouts. New folder options enhance app organization, and "Fast Connect (Bluetooth)" keeps Bluetooth on but not searching for devices when turned off, allowing for quicker reconnections. The update also includes fresh wallpapers and reduces pre-installed apps to streamline the user experience. New widgets offer improved customization. Xiaomi may have tailored additional features for the Redmi Note 13, making it worth checking official documentation and software updates for a comprehensive overview.
Cameras
The camera setup on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 is somewhat average considering the budget range. At the forefront is the primary 100 MP camera, featuring an f/1.7 aperture and PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus). Whereas its predecessor Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 featured a 48MP primary lens.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Review: Know the Pros and Cons
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Review: Is it a value-for-money midrange phone?
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series is easily characterized by a sleek design, compact form factor, and an attractive price-performance ratio. This year, Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 13 Pro on September 21 in China. With all the hype and buzz surrounding the device, here’s a detailed take on what the users are getting in this year’s Note 13 Pro.
Key Specifications of Redmi Note 13 Pro
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Redmi series has always been something out of the ordinary. The distinct design elements are especially visible on the back of the device. Last year, there was the stardust-like sparkle with the Purple variant. This year too, the users will be getting a marble-like finish with the White variant.
The device holds a 161.2 mm by 74.3 mm by 8 mm dimension with a weight of 187 g. The plastic frame and back aid in an overall lightweight build quality. Speaking of the build, the device is flat on all sides with slightly rounded edges.
Read more: vivo Y17s Review with Price in Bangladesh
The camera housing on the back has gotten significantly larger than last year. The design somehow reminded me of the Infinix Note 30. However, the design highlight of the Note 13 Pro has to be its display. The Note 13 Pro is marketed as a mid-range smartphone. At this price point, Redmi has been able to fit in a symmetric punch-hole display with minimal bezel.
Coming to ports and buttons, everything is as expected on the Note 13 Pro. The volume rocker and the power button are placed on the side. This year, users will be getting an in-display fingerprint scanner compared to last year’s side-mounted one. The headphone is placed on top of the device with the speaker and Type-C making up the bottom.
The Display
As mentioned earlier, the display is one of the highlights of the Note 13 Pro. There’s a 6.67-inch OLED display on the Note 13 Pro with 68B color, 120 Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision. The display boasts an unusual 1.5K resolution with 1220 x 2712 pixels with 446 ppi density.
Read more: 10 Best GPS Trackers for Motorcycles in Bangladesh
The uniform bezel design allows for about 89.7% screen-to-body ratio which is one of the highest in this price range. The performance of the display also lives up to its specs. The content on the display looks crisp and sharp with a cooler tone. It also has 1800 nits of peak brightness which makes the display perfectly legible under direct sunlight.
A surprising addition to the panel is the use of the Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. It's unusual to see a top-of-the-line display protection tech being used in a mid-range smartphone.
Overall, the display is a strong suit of the Note 13 Pro in terms of both performance and value proposition.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Review: Know the Pros and Cons
The Camera
There’s a triple camera setup on the Note 13 Pro. The main sensor is a 200 MP one with an f/1.7 wide angle aperture and a 1/1.4” sensor. It also has multidirectional PDAF and OIS. The main sensor is supported by an 8 MP f/2.2 120˚ ultrawide sensor. And a 2 MP f/2.4 macro shooter.
Not to mention, the configuration of the 13 Pro’s primary sensor is a huge improvement from the ancestor Note 12 Pro’s 50 MP camera. However, the Note 13 Pro’s performance of the main camera is quite average. Though the sensor has a 200 MP count, its resolution is significantly lowered while using the pixel binning technology. Now, a question stands whether the 200 MP sensor is a marketing gimmick.
The dual LED flash is positioned in such a way that the dial of the flash is the same size as that of the macro sensor.
Read more: Symphony Helio 80 Review: Is the hype justified?
In daylight, pictures came out great with decent dynamic range. The subject and the background had good distinctions in each shot with sharp focus and details in place. The pictures in bright conditions had a cooler tone to them. The ultrawide sensor also did a better job than the previous generation. However, there is still that slight fish-eye effect around the edges. Other than that, no complaints about daylight photography.
However, things aren’t the same in low-light conditions. Pictures taken in artificial lights suffer from exposure issues at times. There are also noticeable grains and noises in pictures taken with auto mode. Using the night helps to reduce them a bit but depending on the lighting conditions, some shots might come out overexposed.
The videography can go up to 4K at 30 fps and 1080P at 30, 60, and 120 fps. The outputs are decent thanks to the multidirectional PDAF and the OIS onboard. There’s also a generic 16 MP front shooter which is good enough for casual videos and selfies.
Read more: vivo V29 5G Review: Is it a balanced camera phone?
Processor and Performance
The processor on the Redmi Note 13 Pro is a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 based on the 4 Nm architecture. This is a slightly toned-down version of the premium midrange 7 Gen chipsets from Snapdragon. The closest comparable chipset to the 7s Gen 2 is the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 6nm which was provided in the ancestor Redmi Note 12 Pro. But even then, the 7s Gen 2 slightly outperforms the Dimensity 1080.
The octa-core processor has a chip design of 4x2.40 GHz & 4x1.95 GHz with Adreno 710 GPU. In the test, the processor was able to run day-to-day tasks smoothly. The gaming results were also pretty good with the Note 13 Pro. PUBG could be run at HDR Extreme which asserts the processor’s capability. Titles like Asphalt 9, Genshin Impact, and COD also ran smoothly initially. It's “initially” because the device tends to heat up after about 30-odd minutes of gaming. Once the thermal throttling kicks in, there are occasional frame drops here and there.
The processor is supported by Android 13 with Redmi’s custom MIUI 14. The global variant would come with Google support but the test unit at hand had the Chinese ROM. There were usual bloatware and ads which hopefully won’t be present at the global variant.
Read more: Best Tablets under Tk 25000 in Bangladesh
Battery and Charge Time
The Redmi Note 13 Pro has a 5100 mAh battery onboard with 67W fast charging support. A typical use of the device would last an entire day of use or about 6 to 7 hours of SoT. The fast charging can take the device from 0 to 100% in 44 minutes.
Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro
Pros:
· Interesting design
· Good build quality
· Excellent display
· Gorilla Glass Victus protection
· Great battery
Cons:
· An average front camera
· Heating issues.
Read more: OPPO A58 Review: Is this budget-friendly phone good for photos?
Official Price of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro comes in 5 different storage and RAM configurations in China. They are the 8/128 GB, 8/256 GB, 12/256 GB, 12/512 GB and 16/512 GB. The price of each of the variants is 1499 RMB, 1599 RMB, 1699 RMB, 1899 RMB, and 1999 RMB respectively.
The price amounts to 22790 BDT, 24311 BDT, 25831 BDT, 28872 BDT, and 30392 BDT respectively (1 RMB = 15.20 BDT). These are unofficial prices in Bangladesh. The official prices are expected to differ from the converted price.
Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro is a worthy incremental update to the highly popular Redmi Note 12 Pro. The updated display, camera, and processor are its strongest selling points. The 7s Gen 2 perfectly complements everyday use as well as the gaming capability of the Note 13 Pro. On the contrary, the front camera could have been updated for a better performance. There’s also the heating issue with intensive use which might be another concern for gaming enthusiasts.
So who is the Note 13 Pro for? It is geared toward those looking for a mid-range smartphone with a good camera, display, and occasional gaming use. It can be a great buy considering all the storage options it brings to the table.
Read more: Top 9 Most Anticipated Smartphones Coming to Bangladesh in October 2023
vivo Y17s Review with Price in Bangladesh
The Y series from vivo are targeted as entry-level smartphones with a great value proposition. vivo recently launched the Y17s globally on 2nd October 2023. This year there are new colorways, a new camera, and a whole lot of other features. Let’s take a look into the key features, pros, cons, and price of vivo Y17s in Bangladesh.
Key Specifications of vivo Y17s
Design and Build Quality
The Y17s is the direct successor of the Y16 from last year. Like almost all of their Y series iterations, the design on the Y17s has been slightly tweaked to bring a sense of distinction to the new generation. However, the waterdrop notch display remains the same from the last generation. There’s a sizeable bottom chin on the Y17s which doesn’t align with the 2023 design standards. But considering it’s a budget-friendly smartphone, this was probably one of the cost cut corners. There are two color variants with the Y17s – Glitter Purple and Forest Green.
The device holds a dimension of 163.74 mm by 75.43 mm by 8.09 mm with 186 g weight. The plastic frame and back help to keep the weight under 200 g. What’s interesting is that the Y17s now have an IP54 dust and splash resistance rating.
Read more: 10 Best GPS Trackers for Motorcycles in Bangladesh
The ports and buttons on the Y17s are all as usual. The power and volume buttons are located on the right with the SIM slot on the top and the Type-C port on the bottom. The power button also doubles as the fingerprint scanner of the device. The headphone jack has been retained in the Y17s which is good news for wired headphone enthusiasts. The device comes with 6GB RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. The storage can be expanded by another 128 GB thanks to the micro SDXC support.
The Display
The display on the vivo Y17s is a 6.56-inch IPS LCD panel with 720 x 1612 pixels. The 720P display has an aspect ratio of 20:9 and a pixel density of 269 ppi. By all means, this is an entry-level display and features. The large chin on the bottom of the panel accounts for a lower 83.8% screen-to-body ratio. The saving grace here would be the waterdrop notch camera cutout.
The display showed good color calibration with 83% NTSC color saturation. There were no weird color shifts in the test from different angles. Being an LCD panel, the blacks aren’t all that deep and may seem a bit washed out.
Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Review: Know the Pros and Cons
The display has 700 nits of peak brightness which makes it fairly legible under direct sunlight. For the price, the display on the Y17s produces a passable result.
The Camera
There’s a dual camera setup on the back of the Y17s. The main camera is a 50 MP f/1.8 wide-angle sensor with PDAF. The secondary camera is a 2 MP f/2.4 depth sensor. The Y17s lack several features like autofocus, EIS, and OIS. These are again, the cut corners for an aggressive budget pricing.
The main camera performed well for an entry-level smartphone in our test. Pictures taken under direct sunlight had good details in them. The depth sensor assists in the portrait shots which saw significant improvement in edge detection and realistic background blur. The dynamic range is also satisfactory.
Read more: Symphony Helio 80 Review: Is the hype justified?
However, the same performance isn’t translated into indoor or artificial lighting conditions. There are noticeable noises and grains whenever there is less-than-ideal lighting. There’s also the issue of exposure which is a hit or miss at times.
10 Best GPS Trackers for Motorcycles in Bangladesh
In overcrowded cities, where public transports are inadequate, many opt for motorbikes. Asmotorcycle theft is a concern, a GPS tracker can be a good solution. These compact yet powerfuldevices can give motorcycle owners peace of mind by providing real-time location tracking,security features, and even video recording capabilities. Different types of GPS trackers featureunique advantages to ensure the safety and security of both riders and vehicles. Whether it's for monitoring, theft prevention, or simply staying on the right track, this list of popular GPS trackers for motorcycles has you covered.
Why Use a GPS Tracker on a Motorbike?
Investing in a reliable, feature-rich tracker offers multiple benefits for motorcycle owners.GPS trackers for motorcycles offer continuous surveillance of the vehicle. Equipped with diverseadvanced safety features like motion sensors and geofencing, GPS trackers can locate thevehicles in various locations and deter theft. GPS trackers also aid in group journeys andnavigation.
Key factors for selection include real-time updates, long battery life, durability, weatherresistance, software support, and compatibility with network devices.
Read more: Read Motorbike Buyer Guide: Some popular models with price in Bangladesh
Top 10 Motorcycle GPS Trackers in Bangladesh in 2023
Autonemo GPS Tracking Service
In 2022, Autonemo Limited, a Bangladesh-based company, unveiled the Autonemo GPS Tracking Service, ushering in a new era of vehicle tracking with a robust set of features. Real-time fuel monitoring is a standout offering, promising substantial fuel cost savings and meticulous mileage and fuel efficiency tracking.
The Route Replay function empowers users to delve into historical routes for invaluable insights into their vehicle's past. High-precision recording of daily mileage and fuel usage ensures meticulous trip details. Monitoring exact parking locations and durations and configuring automated alerts further bolster vehicle security.
Geofence alerts keep users informed about their vehicle's entries and exits from specific zones. Autonemo goes beyond tracking by offering a fully stocked online shop for genuine automotive parts, accessories, and lubricants.
Pricing options include the Autonemo Premium GPS Tracker at BDT 8000, the Autonemo Standard GPS Tracker for Car-Microbus-SUV at BDT 6000, and the Autonemo GPS OBD Plug and Play GPS Tracker for Hybrid-Brand New Cars at BDT 5500.
Pros
- Real-time fuel monitoring for significant savings.- Detailed route replay to track vehicle movements and validate routes.- Precise daily mileage and fuel tracking for cost control.- Parking times feature for enhanced security and monitoring.- Geofence alerts for added safety.- Online shop for automotive parts and accessories for customer convenience.
Cons
- Availability of certain features may be contingent on the selected subscription plan.
Read more: Safety Gears for Motorcycle Riders: Necessity and Types
Bondstein Track My Vehicle
The Bondstein Track My Vehicle, a cutting-edge GPS tracker developed by Bondstein, offers a comprehensive set of features and technical specifications aimed at optimizing vehicle tracking and management. This advanced telematics solution enables real-time vehicle tracking through a user-friendly web dashboard and mobile app. It includes a remote engine disarm feature for added security in case of theft or unauthorized use.
With access to over 24 analytical reports, users can gain insights into mileage, location, and alerts, facilitating efficient fleet management. The platform supports cost savings in logistics and seamless integration with ERP systems through an API. It also allows for expense tracking and provides predictive maintenance alerts based on vehicle usage. Bondstein ensures continuous customer support with a 24/7 call center and a team of experienced technicians available nationwide, making it a versatile solution for both individuals and businesses.
Pros
- Real-time tracking for enhanced security and monitoring.- Remote engine disarm feature adds an extra layer of protection.- Robust analytics and reporting tools for efficient fleet management.- Cost-saving benefits in logistics transportation.- Seamless integration with ERP systems.- Expense tracking and predictive maintenance alerts.- Reliable 24/7 customer support.
Cons
- Requires a stable internet connection for real-time tracking.
Read more: Read The Most Popular Motorbike Models in Bangladesh
Finder GPS Tracking
Finder GPS Tracking, a service provided by Monico Technologies Ltd, a sister concern of Monico Ltd, has firmly established itself as a leading GPS tracking service provider in Bangladesh since its launch in 2011. With recognition as the 'First Vehicle Tracking Service' operator by BTRC and enlistment by the Survey of Bangladesh for local map development, Finder offers a reliable and fully licensed service.
It delivers fundamental features like real-time location monitoring, ignition alerts, geofencing, and speed alerts, addressing standard tracking needs. What distinguishes Finder are its unique features, which include the 'SOS Button' for emergencies and the 'PUSH-PULL SERVICE,' enabling offline tracking when internet connectivity is unavailable.
The registration process is straightforward, offering five distinct packages with prices ranging from 4,500 BDT to 12,000 BDT, along with monthly service charges ranging from 300 BDT to 500 BDT.
Pros
- Established and licensed GPS tracking service.- Unique features like the 'SOS Button' for emergency assistance.- 'PUSH-PULL SERVICE' for offline tracking.- Multiple package options to accommodate various budgets and needs.
Cons
- Certain packages may appear relatively costly.
Read more: Uber Driver Account in Bangladesh: How to Activate, Delete, and Reactivate
a2i’s NISE and Muktopaath win WITSA Award
‘National Intelligence Employment and Entrepreneurship (NISE)’ and ‘Muktopaath’ – two innovative initiatives of Aspire to Innovate (a2i) have won the ‘WITSA 2023 Global Innovation and Technology Excellence Awards’.
The World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) conferred the awards in recognition of remarkable contribution to the skills development and education of millions of people in the country through online platforms.
The award was presented on the third day of the three-day WCIT 2023 International Conference held in Kuching, Malaysia on October 5.
Read: Huawei, ASEAN Foundation, and SEAMEO host 'Seeds for the Future Summit 2023'
Program Associate or a2i, Alavi Zaman Disha, and E-Learning Coordinator, Jinia Jerin, received the award from WITSA Chairman Dr Sean Seah on behalf of NISE and Muktopaath respectively.
About 130 innovative projects from different countries vied for the prestigious award. From Bangladesh, a2i’s project NISE won the 1st place in the Public Sector Digital Opportunity/Inclusion category and Muktopaath won the 1st place in the e-Education and Learning category.
Awards were given this year in a total of 14 categories for the government and private/NGO sectors. In recognition of its significant contribution to upskilling millions of unemployed youths through online platforms, the NISE project bagged the award.
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Muktopaath won the accolade for providing online education to millions through e-learning platform.
WITSA 2023 Global Innovation and Technology Excellence Awards is considered a prestigious award in the global IT sector. More than 10,000 delegates from member countries participated in the conference, titled World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT-2023).
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus Review: Know the Pros and Cons
The Note series from Redmi has historically been their premium mid-range line of smartphones. Last year, the Note 12 Pro+ launched with premium additions to a mid-range processor. This year, the Note 13 Pro+ brought several exciting additions with a fresh new processor. The device was recently unveiled in the Chinese market on 21st September 2023. Here’s a detailed take on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus smartphone.
Key Specifications of Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus
Design and Build Quality
Every year, the Note series brings visible changes to their designs which gives each iteration its unique look. This year, the camera housing has been replaced with a flush back with the camera modules placed directly on the back of the device.
The device comes in at 161.4 mm by 74.2 mm by 8.9 mm dimension with a weight of about 204.5 g. It is on the heavier side thanks to the glass front and an aluminum frame.
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The Black and White variant of the 13 Pro+ comes with a frosted finish on the back whereas the Violet comes with a tan leather back with an interesting color choice. There’s also a Camo Green variant for the fans of tactical looks. There are four gradients on the leather back arranged geometrically. It brings a fresh new look which will work best with a clear case or no case at all.
Another design highlight of the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is its front. The uniform front bezel has a minimal center punch-hole design. The 89.7% screen-to-body ratio provides a display real estate that can be compared with the premium flagships.
The choice of ports and buttons are as usual with no headphone jack and no extendable storage. The headphone jack was present even in Note 12 Pro+. But unfortunately, the run ends with the Note 13 Pro+.
Another noticeable change this year is the switch of the physical fingerprint scanner from the power button to the in-display optical sensor. And the last big upgrade is the IP68 water and dust resistance (1.5 m for 30 minutes) up from the IP53 rating from last year’s Note 12 Pro+.
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The Display
The display on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is an OLED one with 68B color, 120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and Dolby Vision. By the specs, the display on the 13 Pro+ is stacked.
The 6.67-inch display has a 1.5K resolution with 1220 by 2712 pixels. This 20:9 aspect ratio allows for 446 ppi density. The front uniform design of the display is one of the key features that stands out. There’s hardly any device in this price segment that replicates a similar design.
The display performance was also great. The OLED panel was able to churn out deep blacks with sharp contrasts. There were no noticeable color shifts even though the device curved on both edges.
Outdoor visibility is also great on the Note 13 Pro+ thanks to the 1800 nits of peak brightness. Xiaomi also used Gorilla Glass Victus on the front which provides an improved scratch and crack resistance.
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The Camera
There’s a triple camera setup on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+. The main sensor is a 200 MP f/1.7, (wide) with a 1/1.4" lens. The main camera is complemented by an 8 MP f/2.2 sensor with a 120˚ field of view. There’s also a 2 MP macro shooter on board. The sleek horizontal flash bar
In essence, the main sensor does all the heavy lifting for the device. Even then, using a 200 MP sensor on a mid-range smartphone is a bit of an overkill because the smartphone can’t really shoot 200 MP raw.
There are several initial thoughts after testing out the camera. Firstly, it is better to zoom in on a photo while clicking rather than cropping the image. The initial zoomed-in pictures provide better contrast and sharpness compared to the cropped ones.
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Secondly, the night mode works well to improve the contrast and the dynamic range but not the sharpness. For better sharpness, the auto mode works better than the night mode in low-light scenarios. There’s also this purple fringing issue while taking pictures directly against a light source. However, this is something that will probably be solved with an update.
The videography on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is 4K at 24 or 30 fps as well as 1080P at 24, 30, and 120 fps. The videos appeared to be sharp with good stabilization and exposure in well-lit environments. The quality falls a bit indoors but that’s expected given the lighting conditions.
There’s a 16 MP front shooter good enough for video calls and casual selfies.
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Processor and Performance
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ comes with Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Ultra based on a 4 Nm architecture. The octa-core processor has a chip design of 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 with Mali-G610 MC4 GPU onboard.
In terms of performance, the Note 13 Pro+ is an upgrade over the 12 Pro+. Typically, the Pro+ editions are slightly less powerful than the Turbo editions. It remains to be seen how the 13 Pro+ fares against the 13T.
In the test, the 13 Pro+ showed consistent results. The 1136 and 2664 scores in the single and multi-core GeekBench 6 assert satisfactory results. Games like Genshin Impact, PUBG, and Asphalt 9 can be run in the highest graphics settings. But there were some occasional frame drops here and there. The device comes in the highest storage configuration of 16GB RAM and 512 GB of internal storage.
On the OS front, the device is powered by MIUI 14 based on Android 13. MIUI 14 has come a long way from its bloatware-filled days. However, it’s still not on par with stock Android and anyone coming from outside the MI ecosystem might need some time to get used to it.
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Battery and Charge Time
The battery on the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is 5000 mAh. The standard battery capacity is complemented by a 120W fast charging system which can take the battery to 100% in 19 minutes. However, the battery runs out quickly while playing high-definition multiplayer games.
Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+
Pros:
- Stylish and innovative design
- Sharp display
- Great camera
- 120W fast charging
- 5G enabled
Cons:
- Underperforming processors
- Reduced screen time.
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Price of Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+
The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is available in three configurations – 12/256GB, 12/512GB, and 16/512GB respectively. The prices of each of the variants are 1899 RMB, 2099 RMB, and 2199 RMB respectively. The price roughly translates to 28,969 BDT, 32,020 BDT, and 33,545 BDT respectively (1 RMB = 15.26 BDT). However, the price in Bangladesh may grossly differ once it becomes officially available in Bangladesh.
Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is an incremental update to last year’s 12 Pro+. It gets a lot of the things right like the camera, battery, desi,gn, and display. On the flip side, the processor doesn’t perform on par with other premium features of the device. And, its battery life may disappoint the users.
Overall, the Note 13 Pro+ as a whole is a great mid-range smartphone. For anyone looking for a casual daily driver with an amazing display and great camera, the Note 13 Pro+ can be an easy pick.
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This app shows how ancient Greek sites looked thousands of years ago
Tourists at the Acropolis this holiday season can witness the resolution of one of the world’s most heated debates on cultural heritage.
All they need is a smartphone.
Visitors can now pinch and zoom their way around the ancient Greek site, with a digital overlay showing how it once looked. That includes a collection of marble sculptures removed from the Parthenon more than 200 years ago that are now on display at the British Museum in London. Greece has demanded they be returned.
For now, an app supported by Greece’s Culture Ministry allows visitors to point their phones at the Parthenon temple, and the sculptures housed in London appear back on the monument as archaeologists believe they looked 2,500 years ago.
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Other, less widely known features also appear: Many of the sculptures on the Acropolis were painted in striking colors. A statue of goddess Athena in the main chamber of the Parthenon also stood over a shallow pool of water.
“That's really impressive ... the only time I've seen that kind of technology before is at the dentist,” Shriya Parsotam Chitnavis, a tourist from London, said after checking out the app on a hot afternoon at the hilltop Acropolis, Greece's most popular archaeological site.
“I didn't know much about the (Acropolis), and I had to be convinced to come up here. Seeing this has made it more interesting — seeing it in color,” she said. “I'm more of a visual person, so this being interactive really helped me appreciate it.”
The virtual restoration works anywhere and could spare some visitors the crowded uphill walk and long wait to see the iconic monuments up close. It might also help the country's campaign to make Greek cities year-round destinations.
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Tourism, vital for the Greek economy, has roared back since the COVID-19 pandemic, even as wildfires chased visitors from the island of Rhodes and affected other areas this summer. The number of inbound visitors from January through July was up 21.9% to 16.2 million compared with a year ago, according to the Bank of Greece. Revenue was up just over 20%, to 10.3 billion euros ($10.8 billion).
The app, called “Chronos” after the mythological king of the Titans and Greek word for “time,” uses augmented reality to place the ancient impression of the site onto the screen, matching the real-world view as you walk around.
AR is reaching consumers after a long wait and is set to affect a huge range of professional and leisure activities.
Medical surgery, military training and specialized machine repair as well as retail and live event experiences are all in the sights of big tech companies betting on a lucrative future in immersive services. Tech giant like Meta and Apple are pushing into VR headsets that can cost thousands of dollars.
The high price tag will keep the cellphone as the main AR delivery platform to consumers for some time, said Maria Engberg, co-author of the book “Reality Media” on augmented and virtual reality.
She says services for travelers will soon offer a better integrated experience, allowing for more sharing options on tours and overlaying archive photos and videos.
“AR and VR have been lagging behind other kinds of things like games and movies that we’re consuming digitally,” said Engberg, an associate professor of computer science and media technology at Malmo University in Sweden.
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“I think we will see really interesting customer experiences in the next few years as more content from museums and archives becomes digitized,” she said.
Greece’s Culture Ministry and national tourism authority are late but enthusiastic converts to technology. The popular video game Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, which allows players to roam ancient Athens, was used to attract young travelers from China to Greece with a state-organized photo contest.
Microsoft partnered with the Culture Ministry two years ago to launch an immersive digital tour at ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games in southern Greece.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said the innovations would boost accessibility to Greece’s ancient monuments, supplementing the recent installation of ramps and anti-slip pathways.
“Accessibility is extending to the digital space,” Mendoni said at a preview launch event for the Chronos app in May. “Real visitors and virtual visitors anywhere around the world can share historical knowledge.”
Developed by Greek telecoms provider Cosmote, the free app's designers say they hope to build on existing features that include an artificial intelligence-powered virtual guide, Clio.
“As technologies and networks advance, with better bandwidth and lower latencies, mobile devices will be able to download even higher-quality content,” said Panayiotis Gabrielides, a senior official at the telecom company involved in the project.
Virtual reconstructions using Chronos also cover three other monuments at the Acropolis, an adjacent Roman theater and parts of the Acropolis Museum built at the foot of the rock.