Using your phone or accessing the internet with a VPN connection is a good way to prevent your internet traffic/device from being tracked. It does this by routing your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server managed by the VPN provider. The traffic then exits the VPN server and continues to its destination on the internet. This process helps protect your data from being tracked or monitored because it hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic.
In other words, when you use a VPN service, your connection goes encrypted from you to your VPN server, which then goes to the internet to get the requested content and hands it back to you. So if anyone tries to track you through your internet connection, your VPN’s server location will come up.
Many apps and services on your smartphone have unrestricted access to the GPS tracker on your smartphone. And no, simply turning off your location from your notification panel won’t restrict apps or services from accessing your location data. This is because you gave said apps or services permission to access your location data when you clicked "Allow Permission" the first time you opened an app. Or in some cases, you agreed to it when you agreed to the T&Cs of an app or service.
Here’s how to turn it off:
Android
Open Settings> Scroll down to Location>Turn off location services.
iPhone
Go to Settings. Tap Privacy> Service of Location>Toggle off location sharing
Airplane mode turns off most, if not all, of the radio systems in a smartphone when it’s switched on. So your phone will stop sending out signals like cellular and GPS signals, thereby preventing your device from being tracked.
Many, if not most, apps include a plethora of data trackers that monitor and track your data and/or location. Some apps use this information to serve you better, while others use it to keep their apps running and profitable by selling them to advertising companies. Nevertheless, your data moves from place to place, so it's very possible to track you through the apps you use. Oh, and it's all legal. You gave them the right when you agreed to their T&Cs.
In order to curb this, you'll have to be very selective and vigilant about the apps you download, the permissions you give them, and their activity on your device. If you totally want to stop app tracking, you'll most likely have to move to web apps using a VPN connection.
Standard text messaging can be intercepted, so consider using a secure messaging app such as Signal or WhatsApp, which use end-to-end encryption to protect your messages.
A Faraday bag is a specially designed bag that restricts any wireless signal from penetrating it.
Wireless signals are what track phones, so this bag blocks those, thereby taking your device off the radar. The bag blocks tracking by equally dispersing any signal or radio wave that hits it, hence preventing said signals from penetrating.
So while in the bag, your device will totally lose all signal, and any means of tracking it won’t work.
]]>There are primarily two ways to back up your photos: cloud backup and local backup.
This involves backing up your photos to a cloud storage service. In other words, the photos are not backed up on your device but rather on a server owned by whichever backup service you choose to trust with your photos.
If you’re using an Android phone, you probably already have the Google Photos app installed.
Chances are you’ve already entrusted your data to Google, so you’d feel more comfortable, or it’ll be easier to back up your photos using their service. Google Photos offers 15 GB of free cloud storage space for your photos; if that’s not enough for you, you can buy more cloud storage space. The plans cost RS 130 per month for 100 GB, RS 210 per month for 200 GB, and RS 650 per month for 2 TB of cloud storage.
If you decide to go with Google Photos, you’d be able to easily access your photos through the Google Photos app, and you’d get benefits from the Photos app like face recognition and organization, memories creation, etc
Microsoft OneDrive is another great cloud storage service to back up your photos to. If you’re familiar with Windows 10 and 11, then it’ll be relatively easy for you to figure out your way through this app. When it comes to security, OneDrive offers features like two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access. Onedrive only offers a small 5GB of free cloud storage, and as for the paid plans, they cost RS 6,199 per year for 6TB (1 TB split between 6 people), RS 4,899 per year for 1TB, and RS 1499 per year for 100GB.
With the 6TB and 1TB OneDrive cloud storage plans, you get access to Microsoft 365 Family and Microsoft 365 Personal. So you get Office apps along with cloud storage space. Also, OneDrive isn’t just a photo backup service, so you won’t get as many image-focused features as you would on Google Photos. But that apparent disadvantage also gives OneDrive an advantage. It supports way more file formats than competitors.
iCloud is the perfect cloud storage option if you've given yourself up to Apple Ecosystem. Everyone gets free 5GB of Cloud storage, and you can access your stored files on most if not any Apple platform you're signed into. And you can also easily share your cloud-stored pictures with the people close to you.
For more storage space on iCloud, you'll have to upgrade to iCloud+ which costs Rs 75 for 50GB, Rs 219 for 200GB, and Rs 749 for 2TB. The only issue you might come across with iCloud is when you're trying to access your Cloud storage from a non-Apple device.
Last but not least
Don't you trust these big corporations with your sensitive photos? Or do you feel more comfortable keeping your photos off the net entirely? Then local backup storage is the solution you need. Basically, this means backing up your photos locally on a physical storage device like a memory card or hard drive. So to access your photos, all you’d need to do is plug in the external hard drive to your computer.
For local backups, it’s best to avoid flash drives, as they don’t last very long. Also, back up your photos to at least three different external hard drives. So if one external hard drive gets lost or malfunctions, you'll have a backup for your backup.
You should keep in mind that quality external hard drives can be expensive.
Here’s a list of the best external storage devices for your photos.
Another way you can back up your precious photos is by storing them on both local and cloud storage. You could use your local storage as your main backup and cloud storage as a backup, or vice versa.
]]>This article will tell you the simplest and easiest way to boost your smartphone's performance
Cache data is a collection of temporary files stored by your phone to make apps work better and faster when you use them. Your phone creates this file when you open an app. However, if the cache file becomes too large, becomes outdated, or changes, it can give your phone issues, especially when it’s trying to access a large or outdated file. So deleting cached files can help reduce the load on your phone, thereby increasing its performance. The only downside is that apps might take longer to load and execute some operations.
Here’s how to delete the cache file on
Android
Open Settings> Scroll and tap "Apps," then tap the app’s cache you want to clear. Storage>Clear Cache
iPhone
Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap on "General." Scroll down and tap "iPhone Storage." Select "Offload Unused Apps." This will remove the app and its cache from your phone but keep its documents and data.
Tap on "Enable" to turn on this feature.
A simple update could be the solution to your laggy phone problems. Check for available updates you’ve not installed. Google optimizes Android with every new release, and so do most OEMs with their skins. So upgrading your phone’s software can free up system resources on your phone.
Even if you haven't used an app in a while, it will still run processes. These apps run processes in the background, thereby reducing available resources for apps you actually use. Hence, this will reduce your device’s performance.
Also, bloatware and unused apps still take up storage space.
By deleting bloatware and unused apps, you reduce the number of apps that run in the background of your phone and increase your storage space. As a result, performance improves.
Another thing you can do is disable the app, but that’s not as effective as uninstalling it.
You can also switch to lite or progressive web app versions of your favorite apps (if they are available).
Live wallpapers don’t only slow down your phone; they can also reduce your battery life significantly.
Live Wallpapers necessitate the use of more CPU cycles (processes). In other words, they use up more resources than a static wallpaper would and put a strain on your smartphone’s processor, causing it to slow down. This bad situation is worsened when the live wallpaper is poorly optimized or has a lot of high-resolution graphics.
If you open your settings and go to "About Phone" then "Status," you'll see your smartphone’s current Running/Up time. That is how long your device has been powered on. And for some people, uptime can stretch into weeks.
Obviously, this isn’t good for your phone. The best practice is to restart your phone at least once a day, or at worst, once a week.
Also, restarting your phone kills all processes. So if it’s an app process that's slowing your phone down, then the app will be forced to close.
]]>The S22 Ultra is Samsung’s entry into the 2022 flagship phone market. and one of the best devices of 2022.
Featuring high-end specs like a quad camera setup with a 108MP main sensor with pixel binning technology, a 10MP 10x periscope lens with up to 100x space zoom, a 12MP 3x telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultrawide lens, and other flagship-grade specs. A good phone, however, is not created on a spec sheet.
The S22 Ultra truly lives up to its S moniker and provides stable and smooth performance, speedy updates, and top-tier features. And long-term support. Last but not least, the S Pen, a fantastic new feature of the S Ultra series.
Overall, the S22 Ultra provided a standout performance all through the year.
The Galaxy Fold 4 is the best foldable phone of 2022. Offering a good experience with foldable devices as well as a good candy bar phone experience. Which is something that's been missing in previous Z-fold devices.
The Z Fold 4 once again raised the bar of true multitasking on a smartphone with well-thought-out features like the bottom task bar, new multitasking gestures, etc. Not only that, but with the Z Fold 4, Samsung addressed the most vexing issue with previous Z Folds. A lackluster camera system on its most expensive device. This year, the cameras on the Z Fold 4 rival even those of the S22 Ultra.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the latest and greatest from Silicon Valley and was released on September 16. The iPhone 14 Pro Max boasts a wealth of top-tier specs like the A17 Bionic, which is currently the fastest smartphone chip, a world-class camera system sporting a highly detailed 48 MP main camera, a 12 MP 3x optical lens, and a 12 MP ultrawide. All of this, supported by highly optimized software.
It doesn’t end there; the iPhone 14 Pro Max also packs two literally life-saving features: satellite connectivity and crash detection. Last but not least, there is the brand new, dynamic island. Which is a typical case of Apple being Apple. Instead of trying to hide the pill-shaped cutout like its competition, they embrace it and make it an actually useful feature.
The ASUS Zenfone 9 is everything you’d want in a flagship but in a smaller, more compact body. Which is what earns it a spot on this list. It's one of the few Android phones that manages to fit into the compact size category while retaining the majority of the features that would make it a flagship phone.
The ASUS Zenfone 9 is great for one-handed usage and features an impressive 12MP + 50MP Dual Camera setup that shines with its one-of-a-kind Gimbal Stabilization and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. And, best of all, long-lasting battery life, which is difficult to find on a small phone.
The Google Pixel 7 is the latest device in the Google Pixel phone series. The Pixel builds upon the solid foundation left by its very successful predecessor, the Pixel 6, and addresses some of its mistakes like bad launch software, poor battery life, and underwhelming performance.
The Pixel 7 offers good battery life, amazing software courtesy of Google, very good performance, an excellent camera experience, and the fastest software update time.
The only shortcoming of this phone would be the 90 Hz screen. Apart from that, the Pixel 7 impresses on every level.
The Nothing Phone 1 is the first phone released by the relatively new Nothing Company. For a newcomer, the Nothing Phone 1 packed a lot of good features.
The Nothing Phone 1 set its set apart from the crowd with its innovative rear design. Featuring a transparent rear design and a brand-new Glyph interface that doesn’t just look good but also has different functions like flashing when you have a call. Stepping away from the design.
The Nothing Phone 1 is everything you’d want in a midrange phone with an impressive Dual 50MP camera setup, a powerful chip, a 1080p 120Hz screen, etc. And also features like an HDR 10+ 1200 nits(peak brightness) display and Reverse wireless charging that are usually for higher-priced phones. Hence earning it's place here.
]]>Over the years, we’ve seen lots of features on smartphones; some are very useful and cool, and others are gimmicky. So in this article, we're going to tell you our top 5 features of 2022.
So here are our Top 5 Features of 2022:
Satellite connectivity is the number-one new mobile phone feature of 2022. And deservedly so. If you don’t know, satellite connectivity is a life-saving feature that enables a smartphone to connect and communicate with a satellite. So, with satellite connectivity, you can send messages to people even if you’re in a place with zero signal.
So far, the iPhone 14 series has reportedly saved 2 stranded hikers' lives with this feature.
This feature is currently only available on the Huawei Mate 50 and the Apple iPhone 14 series phones. But it’s been confirmed that Android 14 will support this feature. So we'll most likely be seeing wider adoption of satellite connectivity in 2022.
Crash detection is another life-saving feature that deservedly makes this list. As the name suggests, "crash detection" is a smartphone feature that can detect whenever the vehicle it's in has been involved in a crash. Once a crash has been detected, the feature gives users time to respond and tell if it's a false alarm by using a countdown. If the user fails to respond at the end of the countdown, the device will contact emergency services.
Crash detection is available on a few devices, like the Google Pixel 3 and later and the Apple iPhone 14 series.
On foldable phones, the taskbar is a cool new feature. The Taskbar on a Windows laptop is the obvious inspiration for this feature's name and some of its functions. The function of the taskbar is quite simple: to make your frequent and recent apps more easily accessible to you. And make multitasking easier.
With the Taskbar, you can easily go between your most used and recent apps without the hassle of going to your home screen or app drawer; you can easily multitask by dragging an app into split-screen mode; you can save your split-screen combos to the taskbar; etc.
The Taskbar is a simple solution to a problem we didn’t know we had.
Light mode is the future of power-saving mode. Light mode is a well-thought-out battery-saving feature that debuted in the Samsung Z Fold 4 as a result of the power and efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1.
Power Saving Mode (or whatever it’s called on your device) extends our smartphones' battery life by cutting off many features, which basically cripple the phone. But with Light Mode, that’s not the case at all.
Light Mode saves your battery without cutting off any features. It does this by throttling the performance cores in the device's processor. Performance cores drain the most battery. For example, when Light mode is enabled on the Z Fold 4 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen Plus 1, it reduces the performance cores. So you’d get the performance levels similar to the 8 Gen 1 with superb battery savings at no extra cost.
Dynamic Island is one of Apple’s latest acts of being Apple. And by that, I mean doing things differently from the competition. Apple embraced the large pill-shaped cutout on their Pro iPhone 14 series with Dynamic Island. And turned it into a feature, unlike their competition.
Dynamic Island allows users to interact and keep up with activity across multiple apps using Apple’s Live Activity API. With Dynamic Island, you can keep track of unfinished tasks at a glance, much like a timer.
]]>
Radio Garden is a well-thought-out app that allows you to listen to radio stations around the globe no matter where you are and allows you to search in a fun way. Radio Garden uses Google Earth to show a menu of available radio stations. So to select a station, all you have to do is spin the globe and zoom in on a place of interest. Then center the green dot in the circle, and the station will start playing.
If you prefer to do things in a less fun way, you can search for a radio station by country, city, and station name.
Another thing a radio station does is allow you to easily curate your favorite stations in one place.
Radio Garden is completely free to use. But there's a paid plan if you want to remove ads.
TrackIt is a straightforward app with a very useful feature. TrackIt helps you track your Bluetooth device with pinpoint accuracy. Even if the Bluetooth device is not connected and you do not need to have previously paired with it.
TrackiT homes in on the signal of a Bluetooth device and guides you to the location of said device all for free. So if you’re someone who regularly misplaces Bluetooth devices like your earbuds, then TrackIt is perfect for you.
TrackiT is mostly free but there's a paid version if you want to remove ads and get other perks.
Ever wanted to customize your iPhone app icons with just a few clicks? Then you’ll love Moloko. Moloko offers a very large collection of app icon packs, and you can check out trending app icons, the latest icon packs, etc. With Moloko, you can download system and social media app icons.
Applying the icon packs is really easy. All you have to do is download the icon pack from the app, click Allow on the pop-up that appears, then go to settings and tap "Profile Downloaded." Then, in the upper right corner, simply click Install. And you’re done.
Moloko is totally free to use
Tool Box is an editing app for everything media and document-related. Tool Box is jam-packed with features for editing your media files and documents. You can extract and edit audio from a video, convert photos, compress videos, create gifs, extract pictures from videos, convert files to PDF, etc. The list is endless.
Also, with Toolbox, you can easily save any picture or video from any website.
All of this in a single free app
This next iOS app will solve one of the most common problems of having multiple streaming apps.
Just watch is a very useful app that takes all your streaming services and puts them in one place. In other words, whenever you’re looking for a particular show or movie, you don’t have to search through each one of your streaming apps. Just open the Just Watch app and search for Film Title and it’ll show you which streaming services offer that content. And Just Watch doesn’t just stop there
It can also do other useful things like track content availability for all your streaming services, help you curate a time-saving watchlist by tracking your shows across all platforms and help you find out which streaming service offers a piece of content at the cheapest price when your current services don’t offer said content.
Just Watch has a free and paid version, with the paid version costing $2.50. The free version should be enough for the average user.
]]>So here are our top 5 Android apps of 2022, in no particular order.
Seal Video Downloader is a very cool app that allows you to easily download videos from the net with a few clicks. All you have to do is either copy and paste the link into the Seal app, or if the video has a share button, click it and select Seal app from the pop-up menu.
With the Seal app, you can download videos easily, including TikTok videos, Youtube shorts, Instagram reels, Twitter videos, YouTube videos, and a whole lot more. All with a single app. With Seal, you can also download a video's audio separately, embed subtitles, save a video thumbnail, change the format of the video, and so on.
Unfortunately, the app isn’t on the Play Store. So you’ll have to sideload it from here.
Second, on our list of the best Android apps for 2022 is Auto Scroll. It’s an app that helps you to scroll through videos on your phone automatically. By default, the app is set to auto-scroll every 25 seconds, but you can easily change that.
With this app, you can easily watch TikToks, Instagram reels, Facebook reels, Reddit videos, and YouTube shorts while your hands are full. The app also gives you a menu in which you can easily turn off Auto Scroll without leaving your video app. A simple app to solve an underrated problem.
Auto Scroll is a completely free to use app.It’s no secret that privacy is basically non-existent on smartphones, no matter what setting you turn on. Well, this AntiStalker Mobile Security app is excellent and somewhat restores some privacy to our Android phones.
This app can do basic things like scan your phone and check if it has any malware, root, or spyware. Then it can do advanced things like give you a detailed security report on its findings. It can also examine your phone's apps and tell you what kind of data trackers each app carries and sends. AntiStalker Mobile Security doesn't just stop there; it also helps you block the data trackers on your apps.
You can also set the app to scan your phone at set intervals, like every day or every week, and give you a report. You also get cool features like Permission Manager, which alerts you when you give apps privacy-critical permissions, and Mute Microphone, which mutes your microphone and stops apps from listening to your conversations.
Unfortunately, most of the awesome features of this app aren’t free. The monthly subscription fee is $4.5 per month. But you can get 75% off if you pay annually.
Tired of all the hand gymnastics involved with using big-screen phones? Then you’ll love this app. This app brings a simple solution to the problem of reachability on big phones that’s persisted for a long time now.
This app helps you reach the top of your smartphone by using a quick cursor at the top of your screen. To activate this cursor, all you have to do is swipe from the right side of your screen. So instead of stretching your hand all the way to the top of your screen to click that Instagram story, all you have to do is use the quick cursor. And yes, this app works well with the back gesture on your device.
Quick Cursor is a totally free app.
Last but not least on your list of the best apps of 2022 is
This app takes in-app control to the next level. Adaptive controls give you the ability to change the settings for individual apps. For example, with adaptive controls, you can set your phone to maximize its volume when you open the Youtube app. And immediately after you close YouTube, your volume will revert to how it was before.
The app also comes with cool features. Privacy warning indicator: an indicator that warns you when an app accesses your mic or camera; access logs: a list of apps that have recently accessed your camera and mic; etc.
Adaptive Controls is a free app.
Need a reminder app that’ll put your tasks on your face? Then this app will do just that.
CalenTile turns your reminders into a custom tile on your quick settings. So you’ll be instantly reminded about your tasks as soon as you drag down your quick settings panel. The downside is that this app doesn't make the list because it's a pay-to-download one. The app costs around 9 rupees on the Play Store.
]]>Apple has been releasing iPhones for over 15 years now. So there are bound to be some handy tips and tricks that have gone unnoticed.
So in this post, I’ll open your eyes to some incredibly useful tips, tricks, and features that you may not be aware your iPhone has.
If you hate being in a situation where you want to take screenshots of an entire page, but you have to scroll down and take multiple pictures to capture the full page. Then you'll love this trick.
Instead of taking a screenshot and scrolling down to capture more. All you have to do is take one screenshot and select full page capture at the top of your iPhone to take a screenshot of the entire page in one go.
If you loved the full-page screenshot tip, then you’ll also love this one.
While on any webpage on safari, click the share icon. And then, under the Google button, you’ll see options. Press it, then select the pdf option.
Doing this will allow you to save any webpage as a pdf file. And if you’re someone like me who prefers to store (and sometimes share) webpages offline a lot, you’ll instantly fall in love with this tip.
Swipe to copy and paste is another handy feature that comes with your iPhone out of the box.
Instead of pressing and holding to copy text, then holding the screen to choose where to paste the text. All you have to do is swipe in with three fingers to copy and swipe out with three fingers to paste. Pretty neat feature if you ask me.
Picture this, you are jamming to your favorite song, and you whip out your iPhone to record a quick video of yourself for your social media. And as soon as you press the shoot button, the music stops.
If you’ve been in a situation like that, it can be very annoying. Well, this tip will help you stop that.
Instead of opening up your camera app and trying to record a video. Swipe over to the photo section and hold down the capture button. And Immediately, your device will start recording a video without interrupting your music.
Guided access is a pretty cool feature that everyone will find handy from time to time. Especially if you frequently hand your phone to others, perhaps to share a hilarious meme or tweet with them.
Guided access allows you to lock your phone to a single app and restrict app functionality.. With guided access, you can disable any area on your phone screen. Disabled areas won’t be accessible until you turn off guided access by entering your iPhone pin.
So the next time you hand over your phone to someone, you can turn on guided access, and the person will be restricted to whatever app/task you set.
To turn on guided access, open the Settings app, then tap on accessibility. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and tap on guided access. Turn the toggle for guided access to ON.
On the guided access settings page, you can set a time limit and set a different passcode to turn off guided access. You can even toggle on the guided access shortcut that allows you to turn on guided access simply by tapping the lock button three times.
iPhones offer one of the best and the most intuitive experiences on a mobile device. And with knowledge of these tricks, you can make an already simple experience even simpler.
After a decade and a half of updates and new features, there are bound to be some very useful features that have gone unnoticed in Android. So in this post, we’ll show you five supremely useful Android tips and tricks.
A pretty neat trick your Android ships with is quick application shortcuts. It allows you to quickly perform in-app tasks. All you have to do is press and hold the app. Then a small menu with the apps' shortcuts will pop up.
For instance, if you received a new follower notification from Instagram and want to quickly view Activity. Instead of opening the Instagram app and then tapping the Activity Icon below the screen. Simply press and hold the Instagram app, and the shortcuts menu will pop up. When you tap View Activity, Instagram will open on the Activity page.
Let's say you're having an important conversation with someone, and then your phone starts ringing. And you want to quickly stop it from ringing. Instead of cutting the call or lowering the volume.
You can just pick up your phone and turn it face down to mute the call.
Yes, you read that right. If you misplace your device or think a thief has made off with it. You can hop onto another device that you’re signed into with the same Google account. And search for "Find My Device."
Right in your browser, it’ll show you the location of your device.
On the find my device result page, you are
given two options. Select "ring" and your phone will start ringing until you stop it. Choose "Recover it" if you suspect your phone has been stolen and you’ll be redirected to the phone recovery page.
For this feature to work, you’ll have to turn on Find My Device in your settings. To turn on Find My Device, you'll have to
Ever wanted to use two Chrome tabs at the same time? Well, this tip will show you exactly how to do that. To do this,
First, open up the Chrome app, then go to Recent Apps. Tap the Chrome icon and select "open in split screen view." Choose any random app to be the second screen. Then click the three dots at the top right end of Chrome. You’ll see an option to create a "new window". Press it, and you’ll have two tabs open in split screen.
You can take this a little bit further.
By pressing the three dots in the top right corner and choosing "Move to Other Window," you can slide the tab on the top screen to the bottom.
And the most recent page or tab accessed will return to the top tab.
This is a pretty cool trick that allows you to get any article opened on your handset’s browser read out to you. Without installing any apps, this is a trick that will come in handy every once in a while.
To do this trick, Open up your browser. Go to the article you want to be read out loud to you. Then say "Hey Google'' or swipe diagonally from the bottom side of your cell phone. Once the Google assistant is active, just say, "Read this article." And it’ll scan the article and start reading it out loud to you.
A player will appear as soon as the piece begins to be read out.
You can speed up reading, pause/play, and move forward or backward using the player.
First on our list of best productivity app list is
Todoist is a task management app. It also doubles up as a project management tool for small projects; I wouldn't recommend it for anything big as there are better tools for that. As the name indicates, Todoist allows you to add tasks you want to do like a normal to-do list. However, it also helps you prioritize work, remember unfinished work or goals, and allows you to track your progress.
Todoist is easy to use, helps you easily organize tasks, set reminders for tasks, and is great for collaboration.
Todoist is free for the basic task management service. If your needs exceed the free plan, there's a Pro plan and a business plan starting at RS.317.80 and RS.476.70 respectively.
Another top and totally free productivity app is Google Calendar. Google Calendar is the best calendar app out there. It has everything you need to increase your productivity, collaborate with your team, the basic calendar features and more.
One of the areas where Google Calendar stands out is its team/collaboration focused makeup. With features such as World Clock, which makes it easier for teammates in different timezones to collaborate; and "Suggested" or "Find a Time", which makes it simple for different people with busy schedules to find out when each other is free and or events meetings,
As said before, Google Calendar is completely free to use.
Notion is one of the best productivity apps out there. It combines the wonderful features scattered across different productivity apps into one simple and easy-to-use app. Notion provides you with a calming space to think, capture your ideas, organize tasks and goals, manage your project, collaborate with your team, and so much more.
Notion does everything well. You can add as many blocks and pages as you need for different tasks, projects, etc. You can create different blocks for separate teams, tasks, and projects. Add necessary documents, images, customizations, etc. to your pages. To keep this short. Basically, everything's there and easy to use.
Another place this notion gets it right is the pricing. Notion offers four different plans. The free plan, Personal Pro plan (RS 317 50), Team plan (RS 835), and Enterprise (Contact sales). For 99% of people, the free plan is more than enough. Only teams and organizations actually need the Team and Enterprise plan.
Be Focused is a great app for timing your work and focusing. It’s a very good companion to the Freedom app.
Be Focused is a Pomodoro timer. That is a timer that separates work into intervals. After each interval of work, there is a short break. If you are the type of person who can’t stand to work for long periods without a little downtime, Be Focused is the best time tracking app for you.
With the Be Focused app, you can manage your tasks, and set your focus period, and intervals for breaks, all while tracking your progress throughout the day or week. Unfortunately,
Be Focused is only available on IOS right now. It is completely free to use.
Get it for IOS
With the help of these apps listed you can turn up your productivity level. Most of the apps listed are free or have free trials or plans. So you give them a go and see what works for your productivity.
Today, these rectangular slabs have become so important that over 1.4 billion of them are manufactured and sold yearly. With such a huge figure, one can’t help but wonder the environmental impacts of such large-scale production activity. So in this post, we’ll dive into the impact of smartphones on our environment.
Mobile phones, per se, have very little effect on the environment. In fact, they are one of the most power-efficient gadgets around. They are so power efficient that they cost the average person less than a dollar per year on energy bills.
As said before, cell phones themselves have little to no environmental effect. But that’s not all there is to the story. Mobile phones themselves don’t have a negative environmental impact. But their manufacturing process does. And that’s not all.
Another big sustainability problem tied to mobile phones is the amount of e-waste produced by the common two-year upgrade cycle. The circle greatly encourages dumping, and that is one of the major contributors to today’s e-waste problem.
Mobile phones are very power-efficient devices. But the manufacturing process is the exact opposite. The production of a new cell phone uses lots of raw materials, especially metals, and causes a lot of CO2 emissions.
In fact, over 75 different elements are used in manufacturing a single new mobile phone. Materials like silver, copper, lithium, and even rare metals like dysprosium, neodymium, and dysprosium all go into its production.
To make things worse, The mining of these raw materials is another carbon emission power house.
During a device's two-year life cycle, the manufacturing process accounts for more than 85-90 percent of CO2 emissions. The remainder comes from consumer usage and transportation from supplier to consumer.
Just buying a brand new device consumes as much energy as recharging and using a phone for a decade!
E-Waste is another big environmental problem that mobile phones contribute to a lot.
When people upgrade their devices after the wrongly perceived 2-year life cycle of a smartphone, What happens next? You guessed it, the device ends up in a dump. Adding to the already big e-waste problem.
For perspective, in 2019, society produced 50 million tons of electronic waste. And only 12.5% of e-waste is currently recycled.
The chemicals contained in these electronics are mostly pollutants. So they damage soil nutrients, air, and water. E-waste comprises 70% of all toxic landfill. And smartphones make up over 10% of all e-waste.
The main catalyst of smartphones' huge contribution to e-waste is the 2-year upgrade cycle. So, if we use our phones longer, we reduce their impact. And that’s where refurbished phones come in.
Refurbished phones are mostly used phones that were sold back to retailers or traded in. And then tested for faults and repaired where necessary. Before being resold.
Using phones longer is the simplest way to reduce their environmental impact. And using a refurbished phone is the best way to do that because:
Studies show that by using a phone for three years instead of two, it reduces its lifetime CO2 impact by a third. While also reducing the need for resources to produce more new phones.
Phones are one of the most significant sources of e-waste. In total, cellphones account for over 10% of all e-waste.
So, by buying refurbished phones, fewer phones are dumped and less e-waste is produced. Saving
As previously stated, the production of a single brand new phone accounts for more than 85-90 percent of CO2 emissions over its entire lifespan.
So, by buying a refurbished phone, you are saving the bulk of the device's CO2 emissions. Because the inefficient manufacturing process doesn’t have to be repeated.
Electronic waste makes up for 70% of all toxic landfill. And phones are a major contributor.
In other words, when phones and other electronics are dumped, they release toxic substances that pollute the soil, air and water.
By purchasing a refurbished phone, you prevent more phones from being added to the already large toxic landfill. And you play a role in encouraging more companies to reuse phones by either using them for parts or repairing them to be sold as refurbished phones instead of dumping them.
Over 75 different elements are needed to make a single device. includes precious metals like gold, platinum, and silver. All that mining and work just for it to end up in a dump after two years is kind of ridiculous.
In fact, there’s more gold in one ton of e-waste than there is in one ton of ore. And there’s over 50 million tonnes of e-waste and of that, only 12.5% is recycled. That’s a lot of gold just sitting there playing waste.
Refurbished phones need way fewer materials. A refurbished phone only requires a few parts replacement. Some refurbished phone dealers take this further by getting all their parts from scrap phones.
Refurbished phones are clearly a better choice for the environment. After reading this, you can do your part by making sure your next phone is a refurbished one. And by encouraging others around you to do the same. Every ton counts.
Get your top class refurbished device from Blynk. Not clear on what Refurbished phones are? Click here to read everything there is to know about refurbished phones
Yes, total battery health deterioration is inevitable at some point in a phone's life cycle. It's especially painful/frustrating if said phone is too dear to you to change it or a new phone just isn't in your budget.
Here are five tips on how to get your phone's battery health to last longer.
Your phone's battery degrades slightly with every charge cycle. A charge cycle is a full charge and discharge of a phone's battery from 0% to 100%. As stated earlier, your phone's battery health degrades with every charge cycle, even partial charges. Partial charges count as a fraction of a charge cycle. For example, if you charge your phone from 0% to 50% that counts as half of a charge cycle, your phone dies and you charge it from 0% to 50% again. That's now a complete charge cycle.
According to manufacturers, a battery will degrade to 80% of its original capacity after 200-300 charge cycles.
To increase your phone's battery lifespan and keep it healthy for a longer time, you have to reduce the number of its charge cycles.
Not all charges are the same, and some could end up damaging your phone's battery. Certified chargers have a whole bunch of safety settings that control current, stop charging when your device is full, etc. Uncertified/unbranded chargers might not have these settings.
They could end up delivering too much current into your phone's battery thereby, damaging and degrading it faster.
Fast charging really stresses a phone's battery. Add that to the heat fast charging causes, it's a really bad combination. The slower your battery charges, the better.
To prolong your phone's battery lifespan, Limit how much you use fast charging and reserve it for when you actually need your phone to charge quickly, not when you are at home the whole day and not really using your device.
The idea of draining your phone completely and charging completely to prolong its life span was borne from older phones with older rechargeable battery technology that had "battery memory"
This doesn't apply to newer phones with better battery technology. In fact, When your phone is 0% and when it's 100% is the most stressful and damaging percentage for your battery. A perfect 50% is the sweet spot for your battery.
There are several apps that can help you prolong your battery's lifespan. These apps do not directly interfere with your phone's battery.
All most do is give you information on the state of your battery and give you advice on how best to extend its lifespan with features that help you follow the app's advice.
An app I'd recommend for this is the AccuBattery app.
With Face ID being such an integral part of the Apple iPhone experience, it can be very frustrating and disappointing when it malfunctions or doesn't work at all.
In this article, we'll take a look at some reasons why your Face ID Isn't working and what to do.
Go to settings and check if Face ID is turned on for whatever feature/app you want to use it for. It might seem like a "too obvious to miss" thing, but some people miss this and end up thinking their phone has a problem when Face ID might have never been enabled for the feature/app or was recently disabled. Here's how to check:
Although Face ID has gotten way better since its release and can recognize some level of changes in your look, it still has trouble recognizing you when you're wearing things like sunglasses, face masks, or other facial clothing.
The trick here is to remove whatever you are wearing on your face when you want to use your Face ID.
The True Depth camera is the sensor responsible for Face ID. It's located inside the notch on the front of the phone.
The True Depth scanner works for Face ID by scanning your face with over 30,000 infrared dots and comparing it to the image you scanned when Face ID was set up.
So if anything is blocking the True Depth Camera(thereby the infrared dots), Face ID won't work properly, if at all.
So, all you need to do to fix this is to get a soft dry piece of cloth to clean the notch on the screen.
Bugs and other software-related problems are usually addressed with software updates. So check your iPhone to see if there is any update available. It might just contain the solution to your Face ID problems. Here's what to do:
Face ID is pretty good at recognizing your face even if there are changes like a beard, glasses, or longer hair. Where things get difficult for Face ID is when your face goes through radical changes, so if you like to change up your look every now and then, it's best to set up an alternate appearance to help Face ID do its job better.
Restart Your Device
Sometimes the solution to seemingly difficult problems might be as simple as restarting your device. Turn off your device for a minute or two, then turn it on again.
If you've gone through all the troubleshooting methods on this list and nothing seems to be working, the next self-help thing to do is reset Your Face ID.
After this, you'll have to set up your Face ID all over again on every app or feature you use it for. Although this sounds like a lot of work, it doesn't take as much time as you'd think to do it all, or you could easily spread out the setup of Face ID on features/apps by setting it up when you want to use Face ID on the app/feature and not all at a go.
If every thing fails, then it's probably time you visit the Apple store closest to you. Or a trustworthy third-party repair service.
If you are a business owner whose company relies on smartphones, you already know first-hand how expensive it is to procure new mobile phones for your staff. Especially if only the best of the best phones can cover your business’s needs.
Once upon a time, buying new mobile devices was the only way to cover your business needs. But that’s not the situation any longer.
Refurbished phones are now competent enough to cover all your business’s needs. They even perform the same as new ones, granted you buy from a good dealer.
Refurbished mobiles have progressed so much that they give brand new mobiles a run for their money.
Here are 3 reasons you should consider buying refurbished for your business
One of the best selling points of refurbished phones is the value for money it gives.
Buying a refurbished phone for your business instead of a new one can save you lots of money. With refurbished phones, you get perfectly working phones with every feature you need and want for a significantly lesser price. That’s a sweet deal for every business.
Brand new mobiles cost a lot of money and today’s inflation worsens that situation. Due to that, many businesses can only afford mid-range or budget phones.
That’s where refurbished phones come in. Refurbished phones cost significantly less than new ones.
What this means for you and your business is that with the budget that only allowed you to purchase new mid-range or budget phones, you would now be able to buy refurbished flagship or mid-range devices(as the case may be). At the very least, you’d be able to get somewhat better devices for your staff.
New smartphones aren’t just expensive to your pocket but also to the environment. Over 75 different elements are involved in making just one smartphone. And these elements are getting scarcer by the day.
Due to the used nature of refurbished phones, it has little to no environmental impact.
So by buying refurbished phones for your business, you(and your business) play your parts in reducing carbon emissions and saving the environment.
Also, by buying refurbished devices for your business, you encourage the recycling of used devices. Rather than them being thrown in a dump.
One major issue that has daunted the progress of the refurbished phone market is the issue of trust. Nobody wants to spend their hard-earned money(especially a business with strict budgets) on mobile devices, only for it not to work well. So, many people have trust issues when it comes to refurbished phones.
We’re not going to say this isn’t a serious issue because it is. Instead, we’re going to provide a solution.
By showing you the best place to buy high quality refurbished devices for your business.
If you want to get the best value for your business in your next phone purchase. Then Blynk is your best option.
We take our phones through hell 18 different times just to make sure they are in perfect condition for your business needs.
If our little version of hell wasn’t enough to straighten up a phone, we provide a 1 year warranty for every device.
So you can rest assured when buying from us.
One of the biggest appeals of the Apple ecosystem is the ability to seamlessly transfer files between devices. And that is made possible by Airdrop.
So when Airdrop doesn't work properly on your iPhone, it can disrupt the Apple experience. And makes file transfer a frustrating experience.
So here are possible reasons your airdrop doesn't work and how to fix it.
AirDrop is only compatible with any iPhone that has iOS 7 or later. So if the receiving or sending iPhone doesn't have IOS 7 or later, then it doesn't support AirDrop.
Airdrop relies on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to work. It uses Bluetooth to locate nearby devices. And Wi-Fi to transfer the data.
So, if you’re having issues using Airdrop, the first thing you should check is your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings.
Alternatively, you can turn airplane mode on and off. This makes all radio connections switch off and then on when you disable airplane mode. Use this method only if you are sure your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on.
When your hotspot is turned on, Airdrop cannot work. So make sure your hotspot is off before trying to use airdrop.
Turn off your hotspot by,
Sometimes the issue with your airdrop might be how it’s set. There are three Airdrop data sharing options.
The first one is "Receiving off". When your airdrop is set to receive off, you will only be able to send and not receive.
The second airdrop option is "Contacts Only." If your Airdrop is set to "Contacts Only," then only your contacts will be able to discover your iPhone.
The last option is "Everyone". When your iPhone is set to "Everyone", anyone with an iPhone around you will be able to discover your phone and can try to send files to you.
For Airdrop to work, both devices need to be discoverable.
To do this,
If you selected contacts only and you still have issues, try setting your airdrop to everyone. But remember to turn it off as soon as you're done.
Airdrop and Do Not Disturb can’t work at the same time. For Airdrop to work, the receiving device must not be set on Do Not Disturb. So, to use Airdrop, Do Not Disturb has to be switched off on the receiving device. Here’s how:
Software can never be perfect. including IOS. That’s why updates are regularly pushed out. The cause of your airdrop issues might be rooted in IOS. And updating your iPhone to the latest software might be the solution to your problems. As the update may contain a fix to your airdrop issues.
To Check for updates;
Once the update has been installed, try using Airdrop again to see if the issue persists.
Resetting network settings erases or undoes every network setting on your iPhone. It also forgets every Wi-Fi you’ve ever connected to with your iPhone. So be sure to note down your Wi-Fi password before going ahead.
Enter your phone password. Then, on the confirmation pop-up, tap on Reset Network Settings to confirm.
If after everything, your airdrop still doesn’t work. Then it’s time you contact Apple’s customer care or visit your nearest Apple store.
In fact, did you know that your smartphone screen is 10 times dirtier than your toilet seat(now just think about how many times you've used your phone while eating)? From this, we learn two important things. 1) The germs in your toilet are no match for you 2.) We should all start cleaning our smartphones more frequently.
So in this article, we’ll show you how to properly clean your smartphone and how often to do it. Firstly, we’ll show you how to clean most of your smartphone, and then we’ll show you how to clean small parts like speakers, charging ports, etc.
So let’s start with a list of things you should absolutely avoid when cleaning your phone.
While cleaning your phone, it is crucial to avoid excess moisture. Too much moisture can damage your device’s interior.
Unplug your phone from its charger and any accessories it may be connected to, then switch it off. Also, remove your phone’s case.
The next thing to do is mix your distilled water and 70% Isopropyl alcohol in a one-to-one ratio. In plain terms, mix two-half glasses of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water in a bowl. Then turn it into your small spray bottle. Give the bottle a good shake.
Spray a moderate amount of your mixture on a microfiber cloth. A moderate amount is necessary because you want to make sure not to wet the cloth too much. Especially if your phone isn’t IP68 rated (waterproof).
Take your damp microfiber cloth and gently rub it against the entire phone. Make sure to wipe down both the front and back properly.
Allow your phone to dry for 15 minutes after cleaning.
Your microfiber cloth can’t get to every part of your phone. And these parts are usually the ones that gather more dust and dirt. So there is a need to know how to clean those small areas that try to evade your damp microfiber justice.
Cleaning your charging port should be something you do regularly. Because a dirty charging port isn't only a hygiene issue, it can also cause your phone to stop charging.
To clean your charging port, you'll need a can of Compressed air and a cotton swab.
Use your Compressed air can to blow dirt out of your charging port. Press down on the nozzle for 1 to 2 seconds to blow air into the port while holding the straw steady.
Never blow your charging port for more than 2 seconds to avoid damaging the internals.
After you're done blowing air.
Get your cotton swab and remove some of the cotton at the tip. Keep removing the cotton until the tip is small enough to enter your charging port.
Once your cotton swab is ready. Gently use it to clean the insides of your charging port.
And then you're done.
Cleaning your headphone jack is a tricky task because of how delicate it is.
The best tool for the job here is an interdental brush. Mostly because of how it’s shaped exactly like your headphone jack. You should be able to get one at your local supermarket.
Once you get your interdental brush, Put your phone on a flat surface and hold it firmly to avoid shaking. Then gently use your interdental brush to clean your headphone jack. And you're done.
Your speaker is the biggest culprit of dust gathering. That’s why sometimes, after months of using a phone, its volume seems to drop. This is because dust and dirt are muffling the sound. So here’s a simple way to clean out your speakers:
Get out your lint roller and roll it over your speakers. Doing this will get all the dust and dirt off your speakers, thereby improving your handsets' sound quality.
You should make sure to get your phone out of its case and clean it a minimum of twice a week. Or daily. If it’s not too much work for you.
All your cleaning efforts will be useless if, after cleaning your device, you go back and use it with dirty accessories. So you don’t only need to know how to clean your phone. You also need to know how to clean your phone accessories.
Your number one phone accessory that needs cleaning is your phone case. Because it’s used as much as your phone and it’s where your phone stays most of the time.
Submerge the case in a solution of warm water and small dishwashing soap.
Use a soft cloth to scrub the edges.
Rinse and allow the air to dry.
Clean the entire case with distilled water and the same alcohol mixture as before.
Use a cotton swab dipped in the alcohol solution to clean the button areas and camera lens opening.
Allow the case to air dry or wipe down with a microfiber cloth.
Leather cases can only be properly cleaned with soaps/solutions made especially for leather.
Clean with a lead solution.
Allow the case to dry.
Your charging cables and wired headphone cables are the fastest accessories to get a dark tint after just a few weeks of use. Luckily, the solution to your cable dirt is something I’m sure you’ll have lying around somewhere.
The simplest way to clean your smartphone is by using an eraser.
Just give your cables a simple scrub with an eraser, and they’ll revert to their original color in a few minutes.
]]>Nowadays, the latest flagship phones cost around Rs 80,000 to Rs 120,000. This can be a hard pill to swallow if you are in the market for a new smartphone.
Buying a refurbished or used device is a great way to save money (and the environment).
But what exactly is the difference between new, used, and refurbished?
It's safe to say that everyone knows what "new" and "used" means. Where the confusion generally comes is with words like refurbished. The term refurbished can mean different things. So here’s what you need to know about these categories. Especially, if you are in the market for a new smartphone.
New devices come straight from the OEM's hands to the store and then to you. They haven’t been used, come with the original in-box accessories, and have the manufacturer’s full warranty.
New devices always cost more than their refurbished and used counterparts. And with the amount that top phones go for nowadays, it’s no wonder why refurbished and used are getting more popular.
As I said before, the term "refurbished" covers a range of meanings. It may mean phones that were returned shortly after being sold or used handsets that have gone through maintenance before being resold.
Sometimes, dealers loosely use the term "maintenance". Which results in faulty phones being resold. But here at Blynk, we add hellish to our maintenance. Seriously, we try 18 times to find flaws in our devices. Just so we can fix it and get it to you in flawless condition.
Refurbished devices generally cost at least 15% less than new ones.
Used devices go straight from the former owner's pocket to yours. Depending on the previous owner's usage, used cellphones can come with anything from light scratches and damage to heavy cosmetic damage and faulty parts.
Buying used devices is the easiest way to save money on tech. But it’s also the riskiest. And you might end up spending more money to replace bad parts.
To get the best of both worlds (affordable and quality), buying refurbished from reputable retailers like Blynk is the way to go.
When buying new or refurbished phones from a reputable seller, you are guaranteed to get a warranty.
Refurbished devices generally ship with a warranty period of around 3 months to one year.
Some vendors determine the warranty period depending on the Grade/condition of the refurbished mobile. Like new/Grade A refurbished devices usually have the highest warranty period, while Grade C/Good refurbished handsets receive the lowest.
Most times new devices ship with a longer warranty period than refurbished ones. Most come with at least one year warranty.
The warranty on used phones is dependent on the seller. Some few come with a warranty, while most don’t.
You are guaranteed excellent condition with new devices. The same is true for refurbished phones purchased from a reputable vendor.
Retailers use a 3-level grading system to sort refurbished phones according to the cosmetic condition of the phone. From Grade A (Excellent) to Grade C (Fair/Good). Depending on your choice, you can get a perfect or okay-looking phone.
The condition of a used device depends on the usage habits of the original owner. It is best to check thoroughly before buying.
There is no beating used devices when it comes to pricing. They are significantly cheaper than both new and refurbished phones. Some are up to 70% cheaper.
Refurbished phones fall on the affordable side too. Depending on where you buy from, you can get a good deal. New devices are the most expensive of the three categories.
Buying a refurbished phone online is the best and most convenient way to avoid burning a hole in your pocket with your next smartphone. You can take advantage of the convenience of e-commerce to get yourself the phone you deserve at the right price.
So, here are 5 reasons you should buy your next refurbished smartphone online.
The price tag of the latest and greatest devices can range anywhere from RS. 60,000 to RS. 120,000. For someone in the market for a new cellphone with the best features. That can be a hard pill to swallow.
Most times, the features of flagship devices do justify their price tag. And are good value for money. But that doesn’t make the pill easier to swallow.
If you want a device with the best features that don’t cost a kidney. Then buying a refurbished phone is the way to go. You get incredible value for your money along with the best features.
One of the biggest perks of buying a refurbished phone online is the convenience it comes with.
Instead of leaving your home, and going from store to store looking for a refurbished handset that fits your needs at a price that’s within your budget.
You can simply go to online stores like Blynk, Amazon renewed, etc. Search for the phone you want and easily compare prices between stores. You can even use the filter feature and then add your budget. And only phones in that price range will show up.
The best part is whatever refurbished device you choose to buy gets delivered to your doorstep.
Another good reason to buy your next refurbished smartphone online is the fact that when shopping online you have a wider pool of devices to choose from. A physical store can only contain so much. And goods can go out of stock.
Rather than wasting time and effort moving from one store to another searching for the device you want. You can just open different tabs on your chrome browser and easily check different stores for the smartphone your heart desires.
A lot of labor and raw materials go into making a single phone. To put this in perspective, it takes 75 different elements to make a single smartphone.
And due to the nature of refurbished phones being restored used phones, they have little to no environmental impact.
Sales of refurbished phones also encourage companies to re-use perfectly working phone parts instead of dumping them. Thereby reducing E-waste.
So by purchasing a refurbished phone, you not only save your pocket, but you also save the environment.
One of the biggest advantages of shopping online that largely goes under the radar is the fact that by shopping online you can get the best deals on refurbished phones. There are a variety of easily accessible tools you can use to snatch awesome deals as they go live.
You can use sites like Buyvia to scour the internet for the best deals on phones and other products. You can even sign up for different online stores' newsletter to receive an email when there’s a good deal on a product.
Buying refurbished mobiles online is the best way to go if you want convenience and affordability.
You can buy quality refurbished mobiles at affordable prices online from Blynk. Click here to shop for the best-refurbished iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones.
Smartphones have been getting better and better. Packing lots of great features, slick designs, and camera systems that have begun to rival traditional cameras. But getting your hands on a brand-new premium smartphone can come with a hefty price tag.
But it doesn’t have to be like that.
If you buy a refurbished phone, you can get the latest and greatest handset with every feature you need and want at a fraction of the price. Here we dive into what exactly refurbished phones are, how they differ from used devices, and why you should consider getting one.
A refurbished phone is a used device that was sold to a retailer/company or traded in. The phone is then restored and checked for any faults. If it passes the checks, it is put up for sale at a significantly lower price.
A refurbished phone can also be a new device that was sold, used slightly then returned to the retailer shortly after for reasons as simple as not liking the device.
It may also be a new device that was sold but later returned because it was faulty. Then repaired, checked, and resold by the retailer.
Short answer: Yes and NO.
Long answer:
The quality of a refurbished handset depends on where you are getting the device from. If you are buying from a trusted seller like Blynk. You can rest assured you are getting a quality refurbished phone.
If you choose to go with an unknown retailer with no reputation. You risk getting a low-quality refurbished smartphone or a used device masked as a refurbished one.
Most retailers place refurbished phones into quality determined grades. So buyers can know what to expect. Other retailers use terms like perfect, like new, nearly perfect, very good refurbished, excellent refurbished, etc.
Refurbished handsets categorized as Grade A are those in perfect condition. There should be no scratches, marks, or any sign of use. This should be like buying a brand new device.
Refurbished mobiles in this category will have slight signs of use. It will have light scratches, marks, and maybe some dents. Apart from cosmetic damages, these devices should be working perfectly.
Cellphones in this category will look used. Aside from that, its performance should be the same as the other grades.
The biggest appeal of refurbished phones is the value for money they offer. You get a flagship handset with all the bells and whistles at a fraction of its original price.
To put this in perspective. A brand new Samsung S21 Ultra currently sells at around RS. 80,000 to RS. 105,000 depending on the storage configuration. A like-new Samsung S21 Ultra with 12GB Ram/256GB storage configuration from Blynk sells for RS. 67,999.
That’s over 40% cheaper for the same quality.
Unlike second-hand phones sold by individuals, you’ll get a warranty when you buy a refurbished handset. Each refurbished handset retailer decides their device’s warranty period. So, make sure to check before you buy.
It takes 75 different elements to make a single device. And that’s not good for the environment.
With the basic nature of refurbished phones being restored used devices. Those 75 elements are not needed again to provide an individual with a smartphone.
So by buying a refurbished phone, you are helping to better the environment.
Due to the phone not being brand new you may not receive it in its original box or with all of the accessories it originally shipped with.
Some retailers provide their own box with the same or even more inbox accessories than the original.
If you like having the latest and greatest phones as soon as they release, then a refurbished cellphone might not be right for you. Because you’ll have to wait some months after a phone releases before you can get a refurbished version.
The general consensus is the cheaper the device, the lesser the quality. Which is true to some extent. But not for refurbished cellphones.
The reason refurbished handsets are so cheap is because they do not meet up to the brand new criteria/standard. Which are no usage and a sealed original box.
When it comes to pricing, used phones are always cheaper than refurbished devices.
With refurbished phones, you most likely get a warranty. But with used ones sold mostly by private individuals, you are less likely to get a warranty.
In the area of performance and overall condition of a phone. Refurbished handsets are a way better option than used phones.
Blynk is the best store to get refurbished mobiles in India. Every device in our care passes through hell just so we can get it to you in perfect condition.
You can buy from any of our physical stores across India, or you can shop online using our website and get your device delivered to your doorstep.
In 2021 the refurbished phones market saw a 15% Year on Year growth. And there are no signs of slowing down. This just shows how much value there is in refurbished phones.
So instead of emptying your account for the latest and greatest. Buy a refurbished version for a fraction of the price from Blynk.
]]>And you haven’t guessed it already; the diva comment was for Kent. He was getting fussy about his already picture-perfect hair not being in place. Wayne was, as usual, brooding in the corner for nothing. He is like that. He broods. A LOT. Well, not everyone can be a ray of sunshine like me, can they?
If you’re buying a new smartphone today, chances are very good that it will run one of two operating systems: Google’s Android or Apple’s iOS. These two platforms account for 99.7% of all new smartphones shipped in 2017 and that percentage rose even higher last year. Anyhoo, in a world divided amongst iOS and Android users, there has been a constant battle for which one is the best. iOS or Android phone is our generation’s Ford vs Chevy squabble.
DeadTV (my ambitious endeavour) decided to invite these esteemed superheroes requesting them to take some time out of their busy schedules of saving the world, not trying to kill each other and figuring out who the hell Martha to finally settle the iOS vs Android debate!
Batman, being the rich, all-exclusive and innovating brat he is, vouches for iOS. How do you know if someone has an iPhone? They TELL you.
And Superman, being an obsessive people’s person, loves his Android and its brute specs. This operating system loves to fix stuff so much; it probably will add the missing piece to the Apple logo.
“Google Assistant is better than Siri despite coming late to the market. Integrated tightly into everything on your phone, Google Assistant proactively makes suggestions by looking at your calendar and Gmail account for upcoming reservations and appointments,” Superman stressed.
“A more productive platform for developers, the chances of new apps to appear on iOS first is higher. Even though the Play Store has a higher percentage of free apps as compared to the App Store, but the best mobile games still land on iOS first and don’t always come to Android. Quality trumps quantity so this is an easy win for iOS,” Batman said.
“Whaaaa!” Kent smirked. “What use are all those apps if you don’t even have enough battery to last a day? An Android device has a much bigger battery that will easily outlast the iPhone. And how would you explain letting a wanted criminal get out of your hand because you couldn’t navigate as your GODDAMN battery died!”
“That happened once and I said sorry,” Wayne exclaimed sheepishly. “Speaking of safety breaches, iOS takes great pain to keep your data private and devices secure, and the company does make an effort to fix mistakes when it makes them. Apple services like iMessage, FaceTime and iCloud make the most use of encryption to protect data travelling to and from your phone and data stored on Apple’s servers. Even I couldn’t hack my own device,” he brooded.
“Ugh, enough with the brooding! Can you stop it? We know it gives depth to the character but it has started to get annoying,” Superman stated irritatingly.
Our caped crusader just stared at him unbelievingly.
Uh-oh, this is starting to get out of hand. Being the peacenik here (very unlike of me), I intervened with my superhero brand integration.
“Hey guys, I do understand that there are differences between Android and iPhones – Android a little easier to customise, iOS a little easier to use. So how about have the best of both worlds and get each one of them? blynk is your one stop shop to buy a flagship phone without having to shell out a lot of money. The blynk phone refurbishment process is taking an unboxed mobile phone that undergoes several checks like whether or not the battery, buttons or cameras work, the quality of audio, screen responsiveness, network and so on. Once cleared by experts, the phones are taken to a state-of-the-art refurbishing facility where it undergoes an 18 point rigorous testing. These phones get tested on several parameters, parts that need to be repaired get due attention, complete scan and cleansing of the software and then they are given the refurbished tag. What's more, blynk offers a 6-month warranty period, super prompt after-sales service, a very helpful helpline, free replacement guarantee, home pick and drop service, high grade compatible chargers and helps in reducing the environmental impact of your smartphone addiction with its refurbished mobile phones.”
Now they both stared at me unbelievingly.
Gee, it does feel good to astound two A-list superheroes with something they don’t know! But you can be better than them, play smart and try out blynk to purchase refurbished cell phones at the best market price. That will end iOS and Android comparisons once and for all!
]]>He was the man of today, extremely fond of technology and modern art. He was up-to-date with all the inventions in his Ministry of Science & Technology (MOST). We can say that he made the MOST of everything he could. He had invested time, energy and wealth in creating the best of space exploration probes, applied digital tech on agriculture, invested in robotics and artificial intelligence and ensured that the finest mobile technology is brought into SwellCity. Essentially, he made sure that his subjects experienced an enriched personal lifestyle using tech and science. The city was SWELL from these tech advancements.
But one day, all the citizens gathered outside his palace demanding to see him. They complained about the carbon footprint that his inventions leave behind. This e-waste was turning out to be detrimental to human health upon exposure. People toss out multiple cell phones each year in favour of newer technology - and all those discarded phones were taking a toll on the environment.
They demanded him to adopt new programs as an effort to curtail the amount of waste that has been rising over the years.
The Great King got thinking, linking and came across something ground-breaking! He decided to recycle mobile phones.
He has a light-bulb moment and came up with blynk – a refurbished mobile phone selling service that takes an unboxed mobile phone that is not necessarily used and the one in the best condition and puts it under an intense inspection. It gets passed through an 18-step restoration process to transform this mobile phone into a “good as new device. These refurbished mobiles get inspected in a state-of-the-art facility for any defects through rigorous reviews and thorough clean-up and are revamped to its original working condition. It gets adorned with a 6-month warranty, 14-day replacement guarantee and dedicated after-sales service just like a new handset. This service ensures that used mobile phones are not continuously flowing into community landfills.
The Great King successfully brought this mobile phone recycling service into being that benefitted his people as these certified refurbished smartphones are significantly cheaper than their new counterparts. This service will reduce the carbon footprint, which is a small yet important step towards combating climate change. The subjects, happier than before, gave him a title that distinguished him from the others – The Great BlynKing. And the people from other lands, who were impressed with this eco-friendly, mobile phone refurbishment process and went gaga shopping for refurbished cell phones, decided to call SwellCity as SmartCity.
And, they and the planet lived happily and healthily ever after!
The End and New Beginnings…
Buy kickass refurb mobile phone deals from buyblynk.com just like the cool people from SmartCity!
Perks involve sleeping diagonally across your bed, dancing to Drake in your shorts or eating directly from the ice cream tub without any judgment. We are sure you can list some more.
On a somber note, living alone helps us to return to our creative selves as living alone gives us the time and freedom to explore and work on our passions, which further aids to create inner balance. However, there are some challenges too. Finance being the number one, you will need to be smart so you can manage your hard-earned money better.
Here are some tips on how to stay frugal when you live alone:
1. Discounts, bargains and deals
This holy trinity will lead thy to spend responsibly. It will tempt you to safeguard the savings you've earmarked for other goals. Be it grocery shopping or buying furniture; always look out for discounts, deals and bargains to save money.
2. Host a movie night or house party
We all know a night of clubbing can be detrimental to your money. If you want to hang out with your friends, but are trying to save money - avoid going out and spending money on food or drinks. Instead, host a stay-in or sleepover with friends to catch up in an informal setting, which is always super fun!
3. The formula for success
It is always Salary – Savings = Expenses and not the other way around! Once an entire chunk of savings is kept aside, you will learn to make do with what is in your hand.
4. Refurbish
If you love experimenting with new technology in mobile phones – buying refurbished phones is just the right deal for you. They let you enjoy all the perks of owning a flagship phone without feeling the pinch. And if you are stuck between, “I need to save money” and “You live only once” – then blynk is your buddy!
blynk believes that a phone can last long if it is in an optimally performing condition and the outer cosmetic flaws are taken care of. So, we go on a great voyage to acquire the bestest of unboxed mobile phones. These lovelies undergo 18-point checks that meet the same functional standards as a brand-new smartphone. We give a 6-month warranty period, a prompt after-sales service, a helpline that is yet to ring (trust us, we are waiting!) and take away the guilt of contributing to the world’s electronic waste. Refurbished products save you a hell lot of money without compromising on quality. Guess what we give options too! Choose from #LikeNew that has the look, feel and functioning of a brand new phone and #GentlyUsed that might have small marks that will in no way alter its working!
Flaunting a new phone now can be smart! Visit buyblynk.com to buy refurbished cell phones at the best market price!
]]>But, thanks to the smartphones and the editing apps that come with them, capturing memorable moments have become so simple. All you need is to master some tricks to ace mobile photography:
Tips for mobile photography:
1. Make use of the gridlines to balance the shot
Used especially for landscape, nature and wildlife photography, the gridlines in the frame let you
have a better balance in the composition of photos. Called as the rule of thirds, the 3x3 grid helps
you compose the image in three portions keeping the subject right in the middle of the frame (or
anywhere for that matter to make it interesting). You can play around with the other elements by
moving yourself to suit the frame.
2. Time the lighting
Light being the most important photographic element, the golden hour time of day is favoured by all
portrait and landscape photographers. The photos seem to glow, and everything in them is rimmed
with a halo of light. The golden hour is just after sunrise or just before sunset and its length depends
on what time of year it is, location and the weather conditions.
3. Zoom is a no-no
To capture more detail, it is natural that you want to get closer to your subject. Never zoom as your
picture may come out grainy, blurry or pixelated. Instead, try to get closer to the subject so that you
wont compromise on quality and don’t lose valuable resolution.
4. Editing maketh picture perfect
Adobe Lightroom Mobile, Pixlr, Snapseed, Mattebox, VSCO – there are plenty of photo editing apps
that can make good images better. You can improve details to make a subject look blemish-free,
retouch the photos, correct the colour or sharpen specific aspects of an image. Especially important
for online business or website, print or digital media, photos need post processing to increase their
online selling.
Now you might think that you will need the latest mobile phone in the market for new clicks. Correction! You can get the newest smartphones but without burning a hole in your pocket. All you
need is the perfect mobile for photography. blynk offers you a brand new collection of refurbished mobile phones that have great camera features for you to get your click on!
blynk is on a constant qui vive for the best quality unboxed mobile phones to procure them and pass them through a no-nonsense 18 point quality check (yes, we can be strict). We ensure that these phones work perfectly as they undergo rigorous testing and a comprehensive refurbishment process so that any essential repairs are completed. Functionality and quality are what blynk looks into during these checks coz we love to spoil our phones!
We offer two types of phones for you to choose from:
#LikeNew: With the look and feel of a brand new device, our #LikeNew phones function just like an
unused piece. They just might have a negligible mark, discoloration or dent that won’t affect its
working in any way.
#GentlyUsed: These devices have small scars that in no way will alter its functioning in any way. Our
procured phones are refurbished at the state-of-the-art facility so that the smallest of scratches or
dents are identified. Remember the 18 point quality check.
So, go check out refurbished cell phones at the best market price at blynk!
Here’s the OnePlus 6T phone review:
Unlocking is now radical
Pushing boundaries for technological advancements, OnePlus 6T has a one-of-a-kind, in-display fingerprint sensor for an intuitive unlocking experience. All your secrets will stay safe. The set-up is pretty easy too. Just place your finger on the sensor to enroll it for the first time. The next time you want to unlock your phone, the sensor authenticates and matches the fingerprint image, giving you access to your phone.
Screen space
Experience a 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED display through an 86% screen-to-body ratio. The tear-shaped notch almost fades away when immersed in a video. The back is a swathe of curved 3D glass that sits comfortably against your palm, delivering a polished feel to the device. It tapers gently around the edges offering a better grip. The screen is strengthened with Corning Gorilla Glass 6 and is one of the first smartphones in India to do so.
Just for clicks
The camera features a wide-angle lens paired with a 16MP sensor, as well as a secondary 20MP lens and sensor combination. The software is improved, notably with the addition of a new Nightscape long exposure mode. These also feature OIS and EIS for crisp images and videos. They have also retained the 4K video recording at 60fps that most of the smartphones miss out on. The New Nightscape technology helps you capture more detailed
shots after sunset.
Toggle fast
Get more work done with up to 8 GB of RAM, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Mobile Platform, and up to 256 GB of storage. An undeniable powerhouse, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset is the heart of the OnePlus 6T and is the latest and greatest mobile processor on the market.
Battery life
With 13 hours away from the wall plug and four hours of screen-on time, the OnePlus 6T can last the day at a 50% charge. So bring on hours of Netflix or PUBG fun! The Fast Charge has been the best fast-charging standard out there for a while and is true to its tagline, “a day’s power in half an hour.”
Get these features and more with the refurbished OnePlus 6T from blynk in lesser the price. blynk is always on a lookout for best quality unboxed mobile phones that get passed through an 18 point quality check. We ensure that these phones work perfectly as they undergo rigorous testing and a comprehensive refurbishment process in a state of the art so that any essential repairs are completed. That includes a detailed, top-down inspection of every feature and function. So to all intents and purposes, you'll be starting afresh. What's more, blynk offers a 6-month warranty period, super prompt after-sales service, a very helpful helpline, replacement guarantee and helps in reducing the environmental impact of your smartphone addiction with its refurbished mobile phones. This renewed OnePlus 6T phone ranks high on the OnePlus rating and reviews!
Choose from #LikeNew that has the look, feel and functioning of a brand new phone and
#GentlyUsed that might have small marks that will in no way alter its working!
For people, who don't have an iPhone, we are sorry and this was not mean to trigger any FOMO. And for cool folks, who think that two years from now, the iPhone 11 everyone is dying for will be cheap – you are right and smart! We love you already.
So be like the smart people, and invest in an Apple iPhone 8 Plus refurbished piece! It makes more sense in buying a 50k worth iPhone than a 99k one as you will get all of the same features with the similar look and feel. And guess what, you can still afford your favourite biryani at the end of the month.
blynk is always on a lookout for best quality unboxed mobile phones that get passed through an 18 point quality check. We ensure that these phones work perfectly as they undergo rigorous testing and a comprehensive refurbishment process in a state of the art so that any essential repairs are completed. That includes a detailed, top-down inspection of every feature and function. So to all intents and purposes, you'll be starting afresh. What's more, blynk offers a 6-month warranty period, super prompt after-sales service, a very helpful helpline, replacement guarantee and helps in reducing the environmental impact of your smartphone addiction with its refurbished mobile phones.
Choose from #LikeNew that has the look, feel and functioning of a brand new phone and #GentlyUsed that might have small marks that will in no way alter its working! Apple iPhone 8 Plus: Features and Specifications
Launched in September 2017, Apple iPhone 8 Plus comes with a 5.50-inch retina IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. It also features True Tone technology, allowing for automatic screen adjustments based on surrounding ambient lighting. Powered by a Hexa-core Apple A11 Bionic processor, this beauty comes with 3GB of RAM. It runs iOS 11 and is powered by a 2691mAh non-removable battery.
As far as the clicks are concerned, the iPhone 8 Plus on the rear packs a 12-megapixel camera. It sports a 7-megapixel camera on the front for pouty selfies. It also features 10x Digital Zoom, 2x Optical Zoom, Auto Flash, Face detection, Simultaneous HD video and image recording. iPhone 8 Plus based on iOS 11 and packs 64GB of inbuilt storage. It is a single SIM (GSM) smartphone that accepts a Nano-SIM card. The sensors on the phone include accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor and compass/magnetometer. So many amazing features in just half the price - get your refurbished iPhone from blynk!
]]>Speaking of smart, here are a few examples where Indians have achieved significant headway using good old jugaad. What’s more, they worked great as movie scripts for Mr. Khiladi!
The most prestigious feat India has achieved in recent times was the ISRO’s creation of the world’s cheapest Mars mission which cost lesser than the Avengers budget (Take that Thanos!). The idea of space exploration on a budget is truly is commendable and defines the very concept of jugaad.
The Padman of India, Arunachalam Muruganantham from Tamil Nadu, made low-cost sanitary pads when he saw his wife using filthy rags and newspapers for her menstrual cycle – revolutionizing menstrual health for rural women. #JugaadForGood
blynk brings the same smarter way of functioning to your mobile phones too via refurbishment.
All You Need To Know About Refurbishment:
Our process is just like a Bollywood dad who is strict in the first half but eventually lets you go because who doesn’t love happy endings!
Here are some things to know before buying refurbished phones from blynk!
The blynk phone refurbishment process is taking an unboxed mobile phone (not necessarily used and the ones in the best condition) and putting them under an intense inspection (tougher than aunties scrutinizing singletons at a wedding or your dad screening your boyfriend).
We believe in tough love with our 18-step restoration process to transform these mobile phones into a “good as new device. These phones get inspected in a state-of-the-art facility for any defects through rigorous reviews and thorough clean-up and are refurbished to their original working condition.
We bless them with 6-month warranty, 14-day replacement guarantee and
dedicated after-sales service just like a new handset and give them away to their most apt soulmates - that’s you!
We remove the evil eye of bad karma as these mobile phones in no way contribute to the world’s electronic waste.
And for the final act, our mobile phone refurbishment services are certified!
Refurbished mobile phones are smart choices as they let you save you money without compromising on quality. Our mobile phone refurbishment service is best in class keeping
your needs in mind.
So get your jugaad on, work smart and purchase refurbished mobile phones from
buyblynk.com!
will always be – duh!
The market is booming with gazillion products, enough to confuse you! The trepidation to buy the best quality product, whilst keeping the budget in check is real. Keeping up with the latest trends in smartphones, laptops, tablets, cameras and TVs can be a very expensive affair. Here’s when the concept of refurbishment slides in. Refurbished phones are top-notch phones at a surprisingly affordable price. At blynk, we only opt for the best. We procure the finest quality and condition unboxed phones and pass them through an 18 point quality check. We ensure that they work perfectly as they undergo diagnostic testing and any essential repairs are completed. There you go, “good as new and smart as a whip!” Why Refurbished Is Better Than New?
Here are some benefits of using refurbished smartphones:
#SaveEmBucks: blynk refurbished mobile phones are significantly cheaper than their new counterparts. So keep calm and save money!
#AlmostGoodAsNew: You could be getting an unboxed mobile phone that has been returned unused or from a cancelled order. Because of that, it can’t be resold as a new product. But for all intents and purposes, it’s new. blynk refurbished mobile phones have undergone stricter testing than devices right off the production line. They are certified by technicians so that they function as good as a new one.
#GuaranteeFromWarranty: As blynk thoroughly checks and repairs the phones they sell, they provide a good 6-month warranty. The warranty also covers the compatible charger that is included together with the product. blynk offers a 14 days repair or replacement guarantee. Perks, perks and more perks!
#GreenIsGood: Buying refurbished products is good for the environment because tons of electronic waste is reduced. A new customer can put the product to use, rather than having a fully functional item sent to a landfill. Instead of dumping mobile phones because of a minor dent or scratch, blynk gets them refurbished and resell them. Good karma is with you, my child!
#Support: Buying a blynk refurbished mobile phone gives you access to the same support you would get with a new product like helpline, dedicated after-sales service and replacement guarantee coz we have huge hearts and would love to spoil you! There are 2 kinds of people in the world! The first type likes everything looking pretty and unblemished. Our
#LikeNew devices are perfect for them as these give the look and feel of a brand new device with the functioning of an unused mobile phone. The other kind doesn’t mind the small marks, discoloration or dents. Our #GentlyUsed devices are just the right pick for them as they have very minimal scratches but are 100% functional. See, we love everyone! Visit buyblynk.com to buy refurbished cell phones at the best market price!
]]>Before we get into why you should buy a refurbished phone, the air surrounding it needs to be cleared. While the terms used and refurbished are used interchangeably when it comes to phones, they aren’t the same thing. The major difference between refurbished phones and used ones is the way they are treated. For instance, a refurbished phone goes through a professional quality check process. This means that a phone is checked for defects, any cosmetic damage and other issues. This ensures that your phone is in perfect condition before it reaches you. Used phones on the other hand, are almost always sold in the condition they were last left in. This doesn’t come with the guarantee of quality checks, software cleanses and the works. Moreover, certified refurbished phones almost always come with a warranty, which is something that used phones cannot guarantee or don’t provide. So, between the two, a refurbished phone is the more obvious choice.
Now that we’ve established the difference between refurbished and used phones, it’s time to talk about why you should buy one.
Let’s face it. Not all of us can afford a swanky, high-end phone at the manufacturer’s price. But that doesn’t mean we should give up on owning the latest iPhone or Samsung model. Refurbished phones are a great way to own the phone you’ve always wanted; at a price you can actually afford. It saves a hell of a lot of money and gives you the freedom to chase your dreams and phones.
With manufacturers coming up with new models every year, the norm is to change your phone every few years to keep up with the latest in mobile tech. This creates a huge negative impact on the environment because of the e-waste has on the environment. Buying a refurbished phone helps you upgrade to a better phone whenever you want, while reducing e-waste and protecting the environment. It’s a win-win, really.
Since certified pre-owned or refurbished phones undergo a professional check, they come with a warranty, in case something goes wrong with your phone (which doesn’t always happen, but it’s good to have that protection). And you already might be aware of the problems that come with the phone, so you know exactly what problem areas to look for. This way, you’ll always be one step ahead of the problem and can fix it before it affects you
Realistically speaking, the latest phones don’t always have superior upgrades to their predecessors. There have been accounts of people saying that an older model actually works better than the newer ones. In such a scenario, an unboxed phone can be your best friend. You have the freedom to choose the best model of the lot, at the fraction of the price.
This might not seem like much, but in a world where appearances matter, imagine taking out a premium smartphone from your pocket when you’re with your friends or at a business meeting. The best part about it? No one will ever know that it’s a refurbished phone if you don’t tell them. With an unboxed, certified pre-owned phone, you can become the envy of everyone’s eyes and be happily smug about it.Before we leave you to consider the benefits of buying a refurbished phone, we have just one more thing to say. blynk offers you top of the line refurbished phone, where each phone goes through a stringent 18-point quality check and comes with a 6-month warranty. This means, every phone that leaves blynk is in perfect condition and gives you all the benefits of buying a refurbished phone. So, what are you waiting for? Join the refurbished revolution, right here with blynk.