tech
Encrypted video calls with up to 8, audio calls with up to 32 people on WhatsApp: Zuckerberg
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg today (March 23, 2023) announced the launching of a new WhatsApp desktop app for Windows.
“Now you can make E2E encrypted video calls with up to 8 people and audio calls with up to 32 people,” Zuckerberg posted on his verified Facebook profile.
In a recent blog post, Meta said: “We’ll continue to increase these limits over time so you can always stay connected with friends, family, and coworkers.”
The tech giant also announced that its instant messaging app for Windows has got a revamped look with new features.
Read More: Meta slashes another 10,000 jobs
“The new WhatsApp app for Windows will load faster and is built with an interface similar to the mobile version of the app,” the blog post reads.
“We’ve made improvements to device linking and better syncing across multiple devices,” Meta said.
To avail the new features, the users have to install the latest update of the WhatsApp Windows desktop app. Once updated, A call option in the chat box – similar to the call icon available in WhatsApp app on Android or iOS – will be visible to the users
Meta also announced the new Mac desktop version of the app, which is currently in beta testing.
Read More: WhatsApp Communities: Here’s what the latest feature offers
Prioritizing the privacy of the users in mind, WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature that gives group admins more control over their group privacy.
“As more people join communities, we want to give group admins more control over their group privacy, so we’ve built a simple tool that gives admins the ability to decide who is able to join a group,” Meta said in another blog post.
Xiaomi 13 Lite Review: Is this semi-flagship phone worth consideration?
The Xiaomi 13 Lite, an affordable semi-flagship smartphone, was recently introduced to the Global market, providing users with a superior experience compared to other alternatives. Its specifications were already familiar to many since it was launched as a rebranded Global version of the Xiaomi CIVI 2. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the Xiaomi 13 Lite to assist potential buyers in their decision-making process.
Key Features of Xiaomi 13 Lite
Design
The Xiaomi 13 Lite's design is more similar to its former model Xiaomi 13 Pro, with a thin frame, tapered Gorilla Glass 5 on the front, and a rounded glass back. The Xiaomi 13 Lite's 7.23mm profile makes it thin and pocket-friendly, and the rounding at the point where the glass meets the frame gives the impression of even more slimness.
The Lite is also relatively lightweight, coming in at 171 grams, thanks to the materials used. Unlike the original Civi, the Civi 2, and the Xiaomi 13 Lite, which have a plastic frame instead of a metal one, the phone's fit, and finish are not as impressive, and the reflectivity of the plastic gives it away. The concern is how the plastic will hold up over time, as wear and tear may become more noticeable with use.
Read More: Vivo V27 Pro Review: Does this Mid-Range Device Worth Attention?
The phone's frame includes hardware controls on the right side and USB-C connectivity on the bottom, as well as an IR blaster set into the top, which is a rare inclusion among Chinese manufacturers. While there are fewer color options for the Xiaomi 13 Lite than for the Civi 2, the available finishes are tasteful, with the Lite Pink being particularly eye-catching due to its iridescence.
Display
The Xiaomi 13 Lite comes with a 6.55-inch display that falls in between the standard and Pro models. The panel boasts a Full HD+ AMOLED display that offers great colors and viewing angles, although it has a lower peak brightness of 1,000nits compared to the 13 and 13 Pro.
Gamers will appreciate the 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch response rate, while media enthusiasts will enjoy the 10-bit panel's support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ standards, along with the full DCI-P3 color gamut. The OLED technology offers better contrast, vivid visuals, and improved power efficiency, and the 1,920PWM dimming and assistive viewing tools make for comfortable viewing.
Read More: 5 Smartphones Around 15000 TK for Best Display, Gaming, Photography
Security is ensured by the optical under-display fingerprint sensor, while the front-facing camera sensors sit in a pill-shaped cutout at the top. Although the user experience doesn't provide any additional functionality like the iPhone 14 Pro or Realme's C55, the reading mode is a handy feature.
Cameras
Xiaomi 13 Lite's camera setup doesn't match the superiority of Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro, which were developed in collaboration with Leica. Instead, it uses a more pedestrian configuration with a 50 MP Sony IMX766 sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP fixed-focus macro lens. While these provide diversity in the photographic experience, they may not necessarily ensure quality.
TikTok CEO to tell Congress app is safe, urge against ban
TikTok's CEO plans to tell Congress that the video-sharing app is committed to user safety, data protection and security, and keeping the platform free from Chinese government influence.
Shou Zi Chew is due to answer questions Thursday from U.S. lawmakers concerned about the social media platform's effects on its young user base and possible national security risks posed by the popular app, which was founded by Chinese entrepreneurs.
Chew is sticking to a familiar script as he urges officials against pursuing an all-out ban on TikTok or for the company to be sold off to new owners.
TikTok's efforts to ensure the security of its users' data, including a $1.5 billion project to store the information on Oracle servers in the U.S. and allow outside monitors to inspect its source code, go “above and beyond” what any of its rivals are doing, according to Chew's prepared remarks released ahead of his appearance before the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
“No other social media company, or entertainment platform like TikTok, provides this level of access and transparency,” he said.
Chew pushed back against fears that TikTok could become a tool of China's ruling Communist Party because its parent company, ByteDance, is based in Beijing.
“Let me state this unequivocally: ByteDance is not an agent of China or any other country,” Chew said.
He distanced TikTok from its Chinese roots and denied the “inaccurate” belief that TikTok's corporate structure makes it “beholden to the Chinese government." ByteDance has evolved into a privately held “global enterprise,” Chew said, with 60% owned by big institutional investors, 20% owned by the Chinese entrepreneurs who founded it and the rest by employees.
It's “emphatically untrue” that TikTok sends data on its American users to Beijing, he said.
"TikTok has never shared, or received a request to share, U.S. user data with the Chinese government," Chew said. “Nor would TikTok honor such a request if one were ever made.”
TikTok has come under fire in the U.S., Europe and Asia-Pacific, where a growing number of governments have banned the app from devices used for official business over worries it poses risks to cybersecurity and data privacy or could be used to push pro-Beijing narratives and misinformation.
Chew, a 40-year-old Singaporean who was appointed CEO in 2021, said in a TikTok video this week that the congressional hearing comes at a “pivotal moment” for the company, which now has 150 million American users.
U.S. regulators have reportedly threatened to ban TikTok unless the Chinese owners sell their stake. Lawmakers have introduced measures that would expand the Biden administration’s authority to enact a national ban and called for “structural restrictions” between TikTok’s American operations and ByteDance, including potentially separating the companies.
Chew said TikTok's data security project, dubbed Project Texas, is the right answer, not a ban or a sale of the company.
The company started deleting the historical protected data of U.S. users from non-Oracle servers this month, Chew said. When that process is completed later this year, all U.S. data will be protected by American law and controlled by a U.S.-led security team.
“Under this structure, there is no way for the Chinese government to access it or compel access to it,” he said.
He said a TikTok ban would hurt the U.S. economy and small American businesses that use the app to sell their products, while reducing competition in an “increasingly concentrated market.” He added that a sale “would not impose any new restrictions on data flows or access.”
Walton offers up to 100% cashback on computer items
Walton Digi-Tech Industries Limited is providing up to 100 percent cashback on computer items. The “Walton Computer Cashback Offer” campaign is conducted with the slogan “Technology Products for Everyone”. As per the offer, customers are being provided with up to 100 percent guaranteed cashback on the purchase of laptop, desktop computer and accessories from any Walton Plaza across the country, according to a press release“The facilities of up to 100 percent cashback are being given so that everyone can afford the advanced technology products manufactured in Bangladesh at affordable prices,” said Walton Computer’s Chief Business Officer Touhidur Rahman Raad.“This initiative has created easy scope for everyone including students, service holders and freelancers to avail their necessary digital devices. Customers can get this offer on purchasing computer products and accessories from nearly 600 Walton Plaza across the country,” he said.Walton Computer is now manufacturing and marketing 44 kinds of technology products of 17 categories under 32 brand names. Various customer benefits, including cash discount, EMI and installment facilities, exchange offers and so many are being provided on the purchase of Walton computer products and accessories, said Raad.Customers can adjust the received cashback while making cash payment and the offer is also available on the products' purchased with six-month installment facility at zero interest, said the release.
Vivo V27 Pro Review: Does this Mid-Range Device Worth Attention?
The budget to mid-range market has always been saturated with options. Notable brands like Vivo, Xiaomi, Oppo, and many others hurl multiple releases each year in these segments. While Vivo doesn’t release all too many, their singular offering often becomes the market standard. Just like the Vivo V27 Pro. Launched on 1st March 2023 in India, the V27 Pro generated quite a buzz because of its internals and price. Let’s find out the specs, pros and cons of Vivo V27 Pro.
Key Specifications of Vivo V27 Pro
Design and Build Quality
Like every year, there is also a complete overhaul with the V27 Pro. The device is considered to be the successor of the hugely popular V25 Pro. While the front of the device appears to be completely similar, the noticeable changes are on the back. This year, there are new color options along with changes in the camera hardware and setup.
Other than that, everything seems to be carried on from the last year. There is the gimmicky color changing back which is sure to turn eyes.
Read More: 5 Smartphones Around 15000 TK for Best Display, Gaming, Photography
Weighing 182g the dimensions of this device are 164.1 by 74.8 by 7.4 mm. Users will also be getting glass front and back just like last year. Being a mid-range device, the glass protection on the front and the back aren’t rated.
The camera housing has been updated to be much larger and rectangular than the previous generation. The flashlight has also been updated to a ring-like shape. It looks pretty cool and futuristic from a design standpoint.
The usual ports and buttons are all there. There’s a dual nano sim slot on the device. Unfortunately, Vivo seems to have been done with the micro SDXC support on their mid-range devices. There’s no headphone jack on the device either.
Overall, there are some welcome changes in the design department of the V27 Pro. Other than that, you’re getting a similar build quality and features which is a pretty good thing from a price perspective.
Read more: Tecno Spark 10 Pro Review: Can it outdo the ancestors?
The Display
The display has had a boost from the last generation. Not much on the quality side but rather on the size. The display is up to 6.78 inches from last year’s 6.58-inch panel found on the V25 Pro. The display offers 1080 by 2400 pixels resolution, 20:9 ratio and about 388 PPI density.
The panel is an FHD+ AMOLED, HDR10+ one with a 120 Hz refresh rate. From the spec sheet, the panel is all guns blazing, and rightly so. The quality of the paper also reflects in everyday use. The HBM and 1B color support make everything on the panel crisp and sharp. The viewing angles are amazing no color distortion whatsoever. Vivo also seems to have reduced the bezels around the sides for a near-seamless experience.
Whether it’s gaming or simply consuming media, the display on the V27 Pro is easily up with the big players like Apple and Samsung.
Read More: Xiaomi Redmi K60 Pro Review: The Flagship Killer Midranger of 2023
The Camera
The camera on the V27 Pro is a triple module one with the main camera being a 50 MP shooter. Rather than being a complete gimmick, the additional two sensors are also quite capable with an 8 MP ultrawide and a 2 MP macro shooter.
The 50 MP might seem like a downgrade from the 64 MP found on the V25 Pro. But Vivo is using a more updated sensor on the latest model.
5 Smartphones Around 15000 TK for Best Display, Gaming, Photography
When it comes to smartphones, the major demographics of Bangladesh prefer functional and utilitarian devices at a budget price. While this has more to do with the economic condition of the people, it also highlights the need for a value-for-money option. Over the years, leading brands like Xiaomi, realme, Infinix, and others have released some excellent budget smartphones that became instantly popular. Among the budget choices, 15000 BDT seems to be the ideal sweet spot for most consumers. Here’s a list of the top 5 smartphones around the 15000 BDT budget range offering standard display, camera, and hardware.
Best Smartphones Around 15000 BDT
With the global price hike and inflation, some of the models have seen a price increase over the last few months. While they technically aren’t right under 15000 BDT, they are close to the mark. And if the value for money and performance is the goal, then a few extra grand would be well worth it.
Redmi 10 2022
Redmi has consistently produced amazing budget smartphones being a sub-brand of Xiaomi. The Redmi 10 2022 edition was launched on 15th February 2022. It is a facelift of their hugely popular Redmi 10 from last year.
Read More: Tecno Spark 10 Pro Review: Can it outdo the ancestors?
The device features a 6.5-inch FHD+ LCD panel with a 90 Hz refresh rate. Even though the panel isn’t AMOLED, the users would be hard-pressed to notice the difference. The sharp and crisp contrast is coupled with an equally smooth interaction thanks to the high refresh rate.
Redmi 10 uses MediaTek Helio G88 processor based on the 12 Nm architecture. While it's not a very power-efficient chipset, its 5000 mAh onboard battery will have the users covered. There is a quad camera setup on the back with a 50 MP primary sensor and an 8 MP front shooter. All the usual ports and buttons including the 3.5 mm headphone jack are present on the device.
The 4/64 GB variant is available for 16,999 BDT officially in Bangladesh. If there’s still any doubt about the device, check out the in-depth review of Redmi 10 2022 to get a better idea.
realme Narzo 50
Another great option around the 15000 BDT mark is the realme Narzo 50. The device was launched on 24th February 2022 and is officially available in Bangladesh.
The Narzo 50 can be a great option for the heavy users out there. It features a 6.6-inch IPS LCD with FHD+ resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate. The user experience of the display on the Narzo 50 is the best among any devices around this price point.
The device is powered by a MediaTek Helio G96 processor based on the 12 Nm architecture. Again it’s not a power-efficient chip but the story is more or less the same with a 5000 mAh battery. The processor is powerful enough to run 3D games in moderate settings so day to day user experience should be great.
Read More: Xiaomi Redmi K60 Pro Review: The Flagship Killer Midranger of 2023
There is a triple camera setup on the Narzo 50 with a 50 MP main sensor, and two 2 MP macro and depth sensors. The ports and button choices are usual with the 3.5 mm headphone jack still being around. It also sports a 16 MP (f/2.1) selfie shooter.
The official price of the Narzo 50 in Bangladesh ranges from TK 17,999 to 19,999 excluding VAT.
Xiaomi POCO M5
POCO M5 was released globally back on 13th September 2022. The device is another great choice if you’re looking for a sleek looking performance-oriented device around 15000 BDT.
The M5 features an FHD+ IPS LCD panel with a 90 Hz refresh rate. Other than being an excellent panel for media consumption, the M5 also has a 500 nits HBM.
Read More: Vivo launches Y22 model smartphone in Bangladesh
The device is powered by Helio G99 based on the 6 Nm architecture. It is more powerful than the Redmi 10 and Narzo 50 in terms of raw performance. Users can easily game on this device without a hiccup.
The M5 features a triple camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor and additional two 2 MP sensors. The main sensor does most of the heavy lifting and produces impressive results. The 5 MP shooter on the front might be a letdown in terms of other features of the device.
The device also comes with a 5000 mAh battery with 18 W fast charging. The current price of the base variant is 16,500 BDT. Check out our in-depth review of the POCO M5 to know more about the device.
Tecno Spark 8 pro
The Tecno Spark 8 Pro had an early release in Bangladesh back in November 2021 before the global release. The device features an FHD+ IPS LCD panel with a standard 60 Hz refresh rate. While it’s the only device in this list not to feature a high refresh rate, it’s still a worthy experience with sharp and crisp quality. It also features a 500 nits HBM.
On the processor end, the device is powered by Helio G85 based on the 12 Nm architecture. While it's not the most powerful chip out there, it still gets the job done. Games with high graphics might occasionally stutter but users should be fine with 2D ones.
The Spark 8 Pro also features a triple camera setup with the main sensor being a 48 MP one. The front holds an 8 MP sensor making it a relatively good camera phone.
There is also a 5000 mAh battery on board the device with 33 W fast charging. The 6/64 GB variant is available for 16,500 BDT for the base variant. Read a detailed review of the Tecno Spark 8 Pro to get more information about the spec and performance of this device.
Infinix Hot 12
The last on the list is Infinix Hot 12 released on 26th April 2022. The device features a large 6.82-inch display with a 90 Hz refresh rate and HD+ resolution. While the HD+ resolution might be a tough sell for many, users would be hard-pressed to notice any difference in day-to-day use.
The Hot 12 is powered by Helio G85 which is relatively good. It’s not a performance beast in any way but it will get you by on a day-to-day basis. The device also features a triple camera option with the main sensor being a 13 MP one combined with a 2 MP and QVGA sensor. The front features an 8 MP shooter as well.
The device comes with a 5000 mAh battery and an 18 W fast charger in the box. The current price of the Infinix Hot 12 base variant (4/128 GB) is around 14,499 BDT. To know more about the performance aspect of the device, check out the detailed review of the Infinix Hot 12.
Final Words
The market for budget devices is highly saturated. That is mostly because the buying demographic is the highest in this segment. With all the new releases from the leading brands, it becomes difficult to track and compare the best value options. While there are other worthy contenders, the ones mentioned in this list are the best bet for smartphones around 15000 BDT. However, the price tags of these devices are subject to change.
Tecno brings Spark 10 Pro to Bangladesh
Chinese mobile phone manufacturer Tecno has brought a new smartphone, Spark 10 Pro, to the Bangladesh market.
The selfie segment smartphone is crafted for Gen Z users.
Spark 10 Pro comes with adjustable dual soft lights on its 32MP front camera, allowing users to capture selfies in any lighting condition.
The device is powered by a MediaTek Helio G88 gaming processor, which features two Arm Cortex-A75 CPUs that can operate at up to 2GHz.
With the help of MediaTek HyperEngine 2.0 and the GameTurbo Algorithm from Tecno, the device estimates lag and intelligently improves operational smoothness.
Tecno said Spark 10 Pro provides superior portrait, vlogging and intelligent photography experiences with the advanced 50MP AI camera.
The device also features a sleek and stylish design with a hard-wearing starry glass back panel and a 6.8-inch FHD+ optimally sized display, offering an immersive and theatrical visual experience.
Spark 10 Pro is also supported by a 5000mAh battery and 18W fast-charging capacity.
The smartphone will be available in Starry Black and Pearl White colours. It is available in two versions – 128GB+16GB (8GB Extended Ram) for Tk17,990 and 128GB+8GB (4GB Extended Ram) for Tk15,690.
Also, customers who will buy SPARK 10 Pro between March 15 and April 20 will have a chance to win a Suzuki GSX R-150 motorcycle.
Top 10 Free Medieval Fantasy, War Games for Android, IOS
Mobile gaming has become an increasingly popular way to pass time and escape into virtual worlds. Among the many genres available, medieval mobile games have captured the attention of millions of players worldwide. These games transport players to the imaginary worlds of castles, dragons, and battles. In fantasy medieval war games, gamers can explore, build, and conquer in the form of their favorite heroes and warriors. Let's explore the top 10 free fantasy medieval strategy games for Android and IOS. This discussion can provide a glimpse of the wonderful mobile gaming experiences available in this genre.
Best Free Fantasy Medieval War Games for Mobile phone
King of Avalon
Developed by FunPlus, King of Avalon is a medieval strategy game available on Android and iOS platforms. Released on 20 June 2016, the game combines elements of strategy, build and battle, and PvP. Players begin by rebuilding their Stronghold and hatching a dragon egg, gradually expanding their empire through research, conquest, and hero collection.
The game offers numerous upgrades, features, and activities, making it one of the most feature-rich strategy games on mobile devices. However, the game's crowded interface with many unrideable icons on the top right can be annoying.
Read More: Esports 2023: All Major Events, Where to Watch Them
Viking Rise
IGG, the developer of Lords Mobile: Kingdom Wars, has released Viking Rise, a strategy and city-building game for Android devices, with an iOS version coming soon. The game takes place in a world of Norse mythology and features impressive visuals, immersive audio, and real-time battles.
Players must build their cities, raise armies, form alliances, engage in naval combat, and hunt and tame mythical beasts while exploring caves and discovering hidden treasures. Iconic Viking heroes, including Valkyrie and Snake-Eyed Sigurd, add to the game's appeal. Viking Rise was released on December 22, 2022.
Call of Dragons
Call of Dragons is a new medieval strategy game developed by Fairlight for Android users, set to be released early in 2023. This game provides players with a chance to explore a vast world and choose between three factions- humans, elves, and orcs. They can command troops and creatures while mastering powerful hero abilities to dominate the battlefield, expand their territory, and become the ultimate ruler of Tamaris.
Read More: 7 PS5 Games Releasing in March, April 2023
The game is currently in beta with some area restrictions, but the global launch is expected soon. With features such as fighting dark creatures and behemoths in groups, Call of Dragons promises an entertaining and engaging experience.
Land of Empires: Immortal
Nuverse's Land of Empires: Immortal, released on 16 Jan 2022, is a must-try mobile game for fans of RPG and strategy games. Its stunning graphics and captivating cinematic scenes create a unique combination of elements similar to Diablo II. As the Lord of a city, players will rebuild a city overtaken by an undead army, upgrade buildings, and build a strong army of heroes and different types of units.
They can also trade and research technologies while forming alliances with other lords to rally against demon forces and retake lost territories. Players can equip titans and giants as secret weapons and recruit legendary warriors to fight alongside them, ultimately expanding their lands. Available on both Android and iOS platforms, Land of Empires: Immortal promises to be an engaging and immersive experience.
Read More: 10 Best Upcoming Video Games to Enchant You in 2023
Nations of Darkness
Released on Jan 9, 2023, Nations of Darkness is a kingdom-builder, strategy mobile game developed by StarFortune, available on Android and iOS platforms. The game features four captivating factions: Vampire, Werewolf, Hunter, and Mage, all set in a colorful fantasy world that combines modern and medieval elements with a dark fantasy feel.
With over 60 heroes to choose from, players can take control of their chosen faction, build and upgrade their kingdom, conquer territories, and participate in events and competitions against other players from around the world. Forming alliances and battling other factions are also crucial elements of gameplay. The game's interface, graphics, and unique elements make it an excellent choice for fans of medieval fantasy games.
Tecno Spark 10 Pro Review: Can it outdo the ancestors?
Tecno unveiled a new phone Spark 10 Pro at Mobile World Congress (MWC) on 6th March. It's worth noting that the ancestor Spark 9 Pro received a lot of praise for its impressive image quality of selfies, considering its price. Does the latest version Spark 10 Pro offer better features? Let’s find out the key specs, pros, cons, and price of the Tecno Spark 10 Pro.
Key Features of Tecno Spark 10 Pro
Design
The design of the Spark 10 Pro has some similarities to its predecessor, but with a few noticeable changes.
One of the most significant changes is the camera module, which now features three circles instead of two. However, upon closer inspection, the number of lenses has been reduced by one. The circle on the right side of the module is actually a flash, while the small hole above it serves only as decoration. Although there is now one less lens, the main camera has been improved, making it a worthwhile tradeoff.
Its dimensions are 168.4 x 76.2 x 8.4 mm. Weighing 208g it seems a bit heavy. Its construction features a Glass built front and back panel along with a plastic frame.
Read More: Xiaomi Redmi K60 Pro Review: The Flagship Killer Midranger of 2023
The back panel of the Spark 10 Pro is made up of both glossy and frosted areas, but the glossy section has been reduced to just the lens module. Additionally, the back panel has been upgraded with a new material called Starry glass, which is highly scratch-resistant and feels very smooth to the touch. Unfortunately, only two-color options are available this time around, with green and blue not making an appearance.
Another notable feature of the Spark 10 Pro is the inclusion of a headphone jack, which can be used in conjunction with the earphones that come in the box. Additionally, the SIM card slot can accommodate both a TF card and dual SIM cards, and the phone boasts a waterproof design.
While some may prefer the design of the Spark 9 Pro, personal taste varies, and the Spark 10 Pro has done an admirable job at this price point.
Read More: VR Headset Buyer's Guide with Price Ranges in Bangladesh
Display
The display of Spark 10 Pro has been upgraded, and it's immediately noticeable as soon as you light up the screen. This time around, the phone features a punch-hole display, which has been a mainstream trend for some time now. However, it's worth noting that many phones within the same price range still use the water drop display, making the punch-hole display an upgrade.
Its 6.8 inches IPS LCD display offers ~85.6% screen-to-body ratio. It sports resolutions of 1080 by 2460 pixels and around 395 PPI density.
Additionally, the screen of the Spark 10 Pro now supports higher refresh rates, with a 90Hz refresh rate that's more than enough for most everyday applications. While it's not the best display on the market, it's clear that the Spark 10 Pro is putting in its best effort to offer users an improved viewing experience. Overall, these upgrades to the display add to the device's value and make it a worthy consideration for anyone in the market for a new phone.
Read More: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G Review: Pushing the Limits of Innovation
Performance and Software
Tecno Spark 10 Pro boasts a MediaTek Helio G88 12 nm processor, which may sound like a significant upgrade from the G85 found in the 9 Pro. The processor has been combined with Mali-G52 MC2 GPU. It runs on HIOS 12.6 on top of Android 13.
However, in terms of performance, the difference is relatively negligible. Although the G88 handles PUBG Mobile with ease, maintaining stable HD graphics at 30fps, its capabilities when it comes to more demanding games like Genshin Impact are not as impressive. In testing, it is found that while the device can handle Commission Quests at the lowest graphics settings, the overall game experience is not ideal, and we noticed a 5% power consumption after just 10 minutes of play.
That said, while the Spark 10 Pro may not be the ideal phone for serious gamers, it's still a great option for those who prefer more relaxed games. If you're someone who enjoys casual mobile games or only plays games occasionally, then the Spark 10 Pro may be the perfect entry-level phone for you.
Read More: March 2023 New Release: Top 10 Smartphones Coming in Bangladesh
Camera
Tecno Spark 10 Pro has three lenses, with the main lens having a 50-megapixel sensor, an aperture of f/1.6, a wide-angle field of view, and PDAF (phase detection autofocus) capability. The other two lenses' specifications are unspecified.
The triple-camera setup works by using different lenses to capture images in different ways. The main 50 MP (f/1.6) camera is used for capturing detailed, high-resolution photos with a wide field of view. The other lenses may have different focal lengths or features, such as a telephoto lens for zooming in on distant objects, or a wide-angle lens for capturing more of a scene in a single shot.
The PDAF capability allows the camera to quickly and accurately focus on subjects, even in low light conditions, by using a sensor to detect the phase difference between two points of incoming light. This helps ensure that your photos are sharp and in focus.
Read More: realme 10 Pro 5G Coca-Cola Edition Review: A Coke Lover’s Dream Phone
A 32 MP (megapixel) selfie camera with a wide-angle lens and dual-LED flash is considered to be a high-end camera for taking selfies. The high megapixel count means that the camera is capable of capturing a large amount of detail in your photos, which is particularly useful for capturing facial features.
When it comes to video recording, the 1080p@30fps capability means that you can record high-quality videos at 30 frames per second, which is the standard for most online video content. This can be useful for recording vlogs, video chats, or simply capturing special moments of high quality.
Battery and Charger
The Tecno Spark 10 Pro's 5000 mAh Li-Po battery is quite large and should provide a good amount of battery life on a single charge, depending on usage. With moderate usage, the phone should be able to last through a full day without needing to be charged.
Read More: Top 10 Smartwatches Released in 2022 and 2023 So Far
The 18W wired charging setup is decent, but not particularly fast compared to some other phones on the market. It should take around 2-2.5 hours to fully charge the battery from empty. However, the non-removable nature of the battery may be a concern for some users, as it means that it cannot be easily replaced if it starts to degrade over time.
Price of Tecno SPARK 10 Pro in Bangladesh
Techno Spark is available in Bangladesh unofficially. The price of the phone starts at BDT 15,690 with a 4GB RAM and 128GB ROM combination. However, the official price of the Tecno Spark 10 Pro in Bangladesh may vary.
Bottom Line
The Spark 10 Pro has already caught the attention of users as it boasts a unique feature - a focus on selfies. In a market where most entry-level smartphones compromise on camera quality, it's refreshing to see a phone that prioritizes the needs of selfie enthusiasts. Even in 2023, such phones are still rare.
Read More: Home Theater Buyer's Guide with Price Ranges in Bangladesh
The Tecno Spark 10 Pro is priced reasonably, making it an affordable option for those who don't want to break the bank for a phone. Despite its budget-friendly price, the phone doesn't compromise on other aspects of its specifications. It delivers performance that's on par with other phones in its price range.
TikTok dismisses calls for Chinese owners to sell stakes
TikTok was dismissive Wednesday of reports that the Biden administration was calling for its Chinese owners to sell their stakes in the popular video-sharing app, saying such a move wouldn't help protect national security.
The company was responding to a report in The Wall Street Journal that said the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S., part of the Treasury Department, was threatening a U.S. ban on the app unless its owners, Beijing-based ByteDance Ltd., divested.
“If protecting national security is the objective, divestment doesn’t solve the problem: a change in ownership would not impose any new restrictions on data flows or access," TikTok spokesperson Maureen Shanahan said. "The best way to address concerns about national security is with the transparent, U.S.-based protection of U.S. user data and systems, with robust third-party monitoring, vetting, and verification, which we are already implementing.”
The Journal report cited anonymous “people familiar with the matter.” The Treasury Department and the White House’s National Security Council declined to comment.
Late last month, the White House gave all federal agencies 30 days to wipe TikTok off all government devices.
The Office of Management and Budget called the guidance a “critical step forward in addressing the risks presented by the app to sensitive government data.” Some agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security and State, already have restrictions in place. The White House already does not allow TikTok on its devices.
Congress passed the “No TikTok on Government Devices Act” in December as part of a sweeping government funding package. The legislation does allow for TikTok use in certain cases, including for national security, law enforcement and research purposes.
Meanwhile, lawmakers in both the House and Senate have been moving forward with legislation that would give the Biden administration more power to clamp down on TikTok.
Rep. Mike McCaul, the chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee, has been a vocal critic of the app, saying the Chinese Communist Party is using it to “manipulate and monitor its users while it gobbles up Americans’ data to be used for their malign activities.”
“Anyone with TikTok downloaded on their device has given the CCP a backdoor to all their personal information. It’s a spy balloon into your phone,” the Texas Republican said.
TikTok remains extremely popular and is used by two-thirds of teens in the U.S. But there is increasing concern that Beijing could obtain control of American user data that the app has obtained.
The company has been dismissive of the ban for federal devices and has noted that it is developing security and data privacy plans as part of the Biden administration’s ongoing national security review.