Technology news

The coronavirus-driven global shift to working from home is set to have boosted demand for Samsung Electronics' memory chips from laptop makers and data centres, but first-quarter profits are likely to remain flat as the outbreak weakened consumer electronics sales. The South Korean tech giant is the world's largest memory chip maker, and its Galaxy smartphones are a major rival of Apple Inc's products. Samsung, which also makes home appliances and displays, on Tuesday releases guidance for the January-March quarter profit which is widely expected to be unchanged, and come under pressure in the next few quarters as the impact of coronavirus-related factory and retail stores shutdowns bites. "The visibility for Samsung's earnings is low for the second quarter," said Lee Do-hoon, an analyst at CIMB Research. For the quarter which just ended, Samsung is likely to estimate its operating profit at 6.2 trillion won ($5.05 billion), unchanged from the same period a year ago, according … [Read more...] about Solid chip sales unlikely to cushion Samsung’s virus hit first quarter profit

In a bid to make it convenient for Airtel subscribers to recharge their prepaid phones, the company has started offering recharging facilities at ATMs, grocery stores and chemist shops. In a mail to the subscribers, Airtel CEO Gopal Vittal said: "We also recognise that there is a large population which isn't online and is unable to recharge at their regular retailers. To address that, we have activated several new channels - Bank ATMs, pharmacies as well as grocery stores." The partners of Airtel in this initiative are HDFC, ICICI, Apollo and Big Bazaar, he said. Vittal, however, said that given the threat of the coronavirus pandemic, the company recommends people to stay safe and use its digital medium to recharge. "You can also help, do your bit, and recharge for those around you, who do not have access to a digital channel. You can recharge at Airtel.in or through the Airtel Thanks app," the letter said. Earlier Reliance Jio too had announced similar alternative channels for … [Read more...] about Airtel recharge now available at ATMs, grocery stores

NEW DELHI: Tech giants like Google, Apple, Microsoft, and others have asked their employees to work from home due to the fears of growing coronavirus. Now the professional networking platform LinkedIn has also started conducting interviews virtually. As reported by The Verge, LinkedIn is informing the potential candidates to opt for an option of virtual interviews or delay it until further notice. In an email statement given to The Verge LinkedIn said, “In light of the recent coronavirus outbreak and with everyone’s health being LinkedIn’s #1 priority at the moment, all candidates who are scheduled to come onsite are being given the option to either complete their entire interview virtually via BlueJeans video conference or cancel their current schedule and hold off on rescheduling until coming onsite is possible.” The report also adds that LinkedIn is taking this step in order to help control the spread of coronavirus. The company has also asked its employees … [Read more...] about Coronavirus: LinkedIn makes all job interviews virtual

German audio brand Sennheiser has announced two wireless earphones — CX 350BT and CX 350BT — in India. Both Sennheiser CX 350BT and CX 150BT will be available on online platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart at Rs 7,490 and Rs 4,990 respectively. Both Sennheiser earphones have a claimed battery life of 10-hours and come with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Both earphones are said to support audio codecs SBC and AAC ensure for a high-quality audio experience. Out of the two earphones, the CX 350BT is more powerful of the two and features a dedicated voice assistant button. Along with that, it also comes with smart features such as integrated Sennheiser Smart Control App that is said to provide more control to users. Last month, the company launched the PXC 550-II Wireless headphones in the Indian market at Rs 29,990. As per the company, the PXC 550-II Wireless is designed to offer an intuitive experience for the frequent traveler. It comes with adaptive noise cancellation … [Read more...] about Sennheiser launches two wireless earphones launched, price starts at Rs 4,990

On an average, a person spends well beyond five hours on a smartphone, every day. Due to the lockdown, idle time has increased which has led to drastic increase in the number of screen time. With this, there is a rise in the number of users complaining about developing a deformity in their little finger or also known as the 'pinky finger'. Here, the pinky finger bears the weight of the smartphone for prolonged hours leading to a condition that occurs when the little finger bends on the dominant hand - called "smart phone pinky", informs Dr Sachin Bhonsle, Sr. Consultant, Orthopedic Surgeon, Fortis Hospital Mulund. Regular use of phones, especially the one with a bigger and wider screen to type messages or emails causes the thumb and the other fingers to be over-used, through repetitive movements. Short term, this causes hypermobility of the smaller joints around the fingers; the ligaments of the thumb gradually become slightly stressed, he says. "Looking at this long term, over-use … [Read more...] about Beware of ‘smartphone pinky’ syndrome