Hollywood star Kate Winslet, who won the award for lead actress in a limited series at the 73rd Emmy Award for her role in ‘Mare of Easttown’, believes actresses are now under less scrutiny for their bodies.

She feels that the praise for her role as a junk food-loving detective in ‘Mare of Easttown’ means a “huge amount” because she was body shamed so much in her career earlier.

Winslet hopes the example Hollywood is starting to set will have a wider impact on society.

Speaking to reporters in the virtual press room backstage at the ceremony, she said: “It means a huge amount, because it makes me feel that our industry is changing. I’m honestly starting to feel that, that the shifts are happening.

“And I think we’re finger pointing a lot less at women in terms of how they look, their shape. We stopped scrutinising them. In turn, what happens then, is that younger generations of women, who are not in our industry, start to feel OK within themselves too.

“And that’s more important than anything else. Because it’s up to us to be absolutely being real and representing ourselves with integrity and authenticity and celebrating each other and not judging one another. If we’re not doing that in our industry, then nobody else has a hope in hell.

“So, I feel like with playing Mare, maybe we are shifting the dynamics of how leading ladies are seen on screen and that just warms my heart.”

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Chinese handset brands OnePlus and Oppo are working together to bring an integrated operating system experience, and the unified experience will be launched with the next flagship series in 2022, OnePlus founder Pete Lau said.

Earlier this year, the two companies had announced merging their product and R&D teams. Both brands have also integrated their research and development capabilities in India.

Lau – who is the Chief Product Officer of both the brands – said with the merging of teams, the companies have looked at creating the best possible software experience for users.

“With this approach, we have been working on the creation of an integrated operating system (OS) combining the very best strengths of Oxygen OS (OnePlus’OS) as well as Color OS (Oppo), particularly focussing on the fast, smooth, and clean experience that everyone has come to know with Oxygen OS and combining that with the very stable, quality aspects and features of Color OS – which allows us to create a unified operating system experience,” he added.

Terming the integration with Oppo as a starting point of ‘OnePlus 2.0′, Lau said the unified OS experience will first launch on the 2022 flagship and then further across other devices.

Asked about the India R&D teams, Lau said “directionally, things are moving to having teams focus towards the integrated OS”.

“…it’s important to note that across software, there are different teams, focusing on different aspects, including, for example, chipset and the chipset integration…there are other software teams that are focused on the overall screen experiences, animation, things related to the screen…directionally, everyone is moving towards the focus on this integrated OS,” he added.

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Unveiled at the Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2021, the iOS 15 is set to roll out for supported iPhone models on Monday (September 20). The new operating system for iPhone will bring tons of new upgrades, including redesigned Safari browser, FaceTime link for group calls with people outside Apple ecosystem, new memojis, redesigned notifications, and Live Text in photos for easy copy and paste functionality.

How to upgrade to iOS 15

The iOS 15 will be available as a free software upgrade for supported iPhones. Once the rollout begins, the supported iPhones will automatically show a notification for the available software upgrade. To initiate the upgrade, tap on the notification and then tap on the download button. To manually check for the update, go to Settings> General> Software update.

iOS 15: List of compatible iPhones

The iOS 15 will be compatible with iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone XR, iPhone X, iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, and new iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

ALSO READ: Apple unveils iPhone 13 series, Watch Series 7, iPads: Here’s India pricing

iOS 15: Key features

With the iOS 15, Apple extends the FaceTime calls beyond Apple devices. Like any other video conferencing platform, Apple users will now be able to create a link for an event and share it with others, so anyone with access to the link can join the FaceTime call from their web browser – Android and Windows devices. The FaceTime call link can be created from iPhone, iPad and Mac, and shared with others through Messages, Calendar, Mail, or any third-party apps. Apple said at the WWDC 2021 that the FaceTime calls on the web remain end-to-end encrypted.

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Sony on Monday announced a portable mirrorless camera ‘Alpha ZV-E10’ with a feature-set optimized for vloggers and content creators.

The new ZV-E10 camera will be available across all Sony Centers Alpha Flagship stores, http://www.ShopatSC.com portal, major electronic stores as well as ecommerce websites (Amazon and Flipkart) for Rs 59,490 for only body and Rs 69,990 with lens.

The Alpha ZV-E10 features a 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine which aims to produce high-quality imagery with high-sensitivity, detailed texture depiction and beautiful natural bokeh.

“The new Alpha ZV-E10 is an amalgamation of the versatility and excellence in image quality of a larger-sensor interchangeable lens camera that offers user-friendly features, specifically designed for still and video, making it an ideal tool for creators looking to transition to a more advanced set up,” Mukesh Srivastava, Head of Digital Imaging Business at Sony India, said in a statement.

The camera features a video-first design in a lightweight form factor (approx. 12 oz./343g) and includes the side-opening Vari-angle LCD Screen that allows creators to connect external mics on top of the camera.

In addition to the screen, the camera houses functions that are specifically designed for still and video, including a new Still/Movie/Slow and quick motion button located on the top of the camera that allows creators to easily change between their desired shooting mode with just one touch.

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Xiaomi needs to be credited for popularising low-cost wearables in the mass market. The first Xiaomi band priced under Rs 1,000 attracted a fair number of users in India. However, the market has changed. Fitness bands have given way to watches that are also replacing traditional timepieces. Apple’s revolution is becoming familiar at lower rungs, with players like Realme, boAt and Amazfit.

Realme earlier launched its Watch and Watch S versions and followed them up with second iterations. Now it has launched a pro version of the Watch 2. The screen size has increased, and battery life has got a bump. And Realme is also trying to improve its tracking features. All of these under Rs 5,000.

Design

There is not much to complain about design. Most other companies have either copied the Apple or Samsung model. The rectangle or the square can vary from one manufacturer to another. For the new Realme offering, an improvement is in screen size. The bezels are not as shiny and take little space. At times they are barely noticeable. The attraction, though, is the button, which you can’t miss. The watch comes in silver/metallic grey and black colours. The strap can be either white or black. While the watch design is simple, the fit is a bit of an issue. The plasticky feel of the band is irritating at times and makes the watch unwearable for longer durations in extreme weather conditions. If you sweat a lot, the band would not be comfortable at all. I would suggest replacing it with other options. The 24-hour heart rate monitor means the light sensors are on at all times and even though they did not trouble so much in the beginning, at times you may find them a bit vexing.

The other problem is lack of size options. I have very thin wrists, but the watch seems big even for a normal hand. Most companies forget that the low-cost market has as many women as men. They are letting go of a large target audience by not offering the watch in two sizes.

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Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has published a patent for ‘Method and Equipment for Realizing Seismic Monitoring of Mobile Devices’ with publication number CN113406696A.

The patent describes a system that is capable of reading/monitoring seismic activity from a mobile equipment. This technology would be used in detecting earthquakes, reports GizmoChina.

The ‘mobile device’ would transfer key data obtained to send it to an earthquake processing center.

The system would also permit the underlying processor to identify and predict earthquake events based on multiple readings, the report added.

Xiaomi earlier patented a foldable smartphone solution to reduce crease in the foldable devices.

The company filed this patent with the CNIPA (China National Intellectual Property Administration).

This patent is titled “Support Structure of Flexible Screen, Flexible Screen Structure and Terminal Equipment”.

According to the documentation, the design includes two supporting structure for the flexible display panel.

The second structure, which is close to the screen is deformable. Hence, when the device is closed, the display has a low chance of getting affected by a larger crease in the long run.

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Samsung is going all out with its foldable devices, striding into what is touted to be the future, ahead of any other smartphone maker. At the pole position is the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G (review), but it is the inexpensive Galaxy Flip3 5G that makes a solid entry-point to the foldable smartphone future. Unlike the Galaxy Fold3 5G, which is a smartphone and a big-screen device integrated into one, the Galaxy Flip3 5G is just a smartphone. However, it is novel and unlike any other.

The Galaxy Flip3 5G boasts a stylish clamshell form factor with a bendable screen on the inner side, supported by a horizontal hinge at the centre dividing the smartphone into two equal halves. Thanks to the improved hinge mechanism, the flap movement is flexible but precise. The flip mechanism adds zing to an otherwise mundane style of answering and disconnecting calls – open and close the flip to answer and disconnect a call, respectively. Unlike the traditional clamshell phones, the flip movement on the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is not fixed but adjustable. This opens a whole new way of using a smartphone. For example, you can open the flip at 90 degrees, and put the smartphone on any flat surface to take a selfie or record a video from the front camera without using your hands. That said, it is indeed classy to operate the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G and it brings back the memory of a time when flip phones were all rage for their style statement.

The Galaxy Z Flip3 5G is, however, a modern-day smartphone with certain elements of the future. Its bendable screen is quite futuristic in its own right, but it is the optimisation at the operating system level that really puts into context the benefits of using bendable screens in smartphones. Take for example the ‘Flex Mode’ feature. In this mode, select apps automatically adjust to fit the folded screen when the phone’s flap is not fully open. This feature is particularly useful in the camera app – the lens view switches to the top half of the screen, and the icons shift to the lower half.

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The Pixel Buds A-series earbuds are of a different kind, in a good way. They do not have a long list of features, and they cut corners even on the most obvious ones like active noise cancellation. But the product shines through when it comes to user experience. Made by Google, these earbuds have built-in Google Assistant for hands-free operations. Besides, they boast identical touch controls on both earbuds. Both these features alone make the Google Pixel Buds A-series an easy-to-use pair of wireless earbuds. But do they justify their price tag? Let’s find out:

Starting with design, I liked how Google has kept everything simple here. The earbuds look like baby mushrooms with circular heads and rather elongated tails with in-ear tips at the end. While the in-ear design helps them latch on to the ears, the added stabiliser arc helps them stay put securely and comfortably even in situations like exercising, when many others would come off easily.

Like the earbuds, the charging-cum-storage case has a minimal design. It is a pebble shaped-unit of a plastic build with matte finish. Its small and pocketable size makes it slide easily in most cramped spaces like coin pockets in jeans. The case has an LED light on the front that blinks when the buds are in a ‘pairing’ mode and shows the case and earbuds’ battery status. The case’s USB-C charging port is at the bottom, and the pairing button is on the lower back side.

Design details aside, the Pixel Buds A-series works well because of its audio performance and easy-to-use features. Speaking of audio performance, the buds are tuned for neutral output – flat equalisers. While I found the buds lacking in energy at first, the sound signature they offered slowly grew on me and convinced me they were comfortable for extended usage.

On a side note, you can boost the bass performance using Pixel Buds, the Pixel Buds A-series supplementary app for Android smartphones. The buds are good for answering calls, too. However, the lack of active noise cancellation ruins the show at times, especially if you answer the calls in busy and loud neighbourhoods.

As for user experience, the Pixel Buds A-series is simple and easy to use. With Google Assistant built in, you can simply say ‘Ok, Google’ and the earbuds are ready to take voice command. This is something that makes life easy, especially if you are part of the Google product ecosystem. The identical touch controls on both earbuds are another element that adds to the convenience. Tap your earbud once to play/pause, twice to skip, or three times to rewind. Unfortunately, there is no touch control gesture for volume. But you can ask Google Assistant to change the volume level.

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A new study from the University of New Hampshire showed that children who witness the abuse of a brother or sister by a parent can be just as traumatised as those witnessing violence by a parent against another parent.

According to the study, such exposure is associated with mental health issues like depression, anxiety and anger.

The findings of the study were published in the journal ‘Child Abuse and Neglect’.

“When we hear about exposure to family violence, we usually think about someone being the victim of direct physical abuse or witnessing spousal assault,” said Corinna Tucker, professor of human development and family studies.

“But many children witness abuse of a sibling without being a direct victim and it turns out we should be thinking more about these dynamics when we tally the effects of family violence exposure,” added Tucker.

In their study, the researchers used the combined data from three national surveys to look more closely at the experiences of over 7000 children between the ages of one month to 17 years old.

This included any incident in which a child saw a parent hit, beat, kick or physically hurt (not including spanking) a sibling in their household over the course of their lifetime. Of the 263 (3.7 per cent) youth who had been exposed to parental abuse against a sibling (EPAS), more witnessed abuse by fathers (70 per cent) than mothers.

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A day after the Centre announced a relief package for the telecom sector, Bharti Airtel Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal sent out a message of synergy, telling reporters that he had spoken to Vodafone Group CEO Nick Read about the need to invest more and that there was a conversation with Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani as well on all telcos working together.

Acknowledging that Bharti Airtel would avail the moratorium of dues offered by the government, Mittal said the company would redirect the cash flow to aggressively build networks.

Advising Vodafone Idea to pump in funds to stay in the game, Mittal said at a virtual press meet on Thursday, “They need to contribute their own monies in the company”. UK-based Vodafone and its joint venture partner in India, Aditya Birla Group, have maintained till recently that they would not throw good money after bad.

On his discussion with Ambani after the government announcement, Mittal said they spoke about the need for synergy between the telecom players. “Time has come for three plus one operators to close ranks and work as a team for building telecommunications rather than being fierce competitors. We will compete, but just like in other industries like steel, build the eco system together,” he said. Bharti Airtel has competed aggressively with Reliance Jio—which disrupted the Indian telecom market stalling meaningful tariff hikes for years.

Suggesting collaboration through sharing infrastructure like FTTH, local loop unbundling, fibre and submarine cable, Mittal said companies should also work together in bringing in more discipline in market practices like commissions, dealer margins, portability amongst others.’

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