<ul><li>The Agni 2 5G is the latest mid-range offering from <keyword id="6355189" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="lava" source="Orion">Lava</keyword> in India.</li><li>The smartphone is priced at ₹21,999 and is available in a single memory variant.</li><li>Here’s our review of the <keyword id="16540642" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lava-Agni-2-5G" source="Orion">Lava Agni 2 5G</keyword> that will help you decide whether you should buy the device.</li></ul> Indian smartphone maker Lava recently launched the<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/lava-agni-2-5g-vs-oneplus-nord-ce-3-lite-5g-mobile-comparison-of-price-and-features/slidelist/100294724.cms"> Agni 2 5G</a>, its latest mid-range offering in the country and the successor of the Agni smartphone that was launched in 2021. The Lava Agni 2 5G comes with several upgrades over its predecessor, including a better display, better performance and faster charging. The main highlights of the device include its glass back, curved AMOLED display and the clean software experience. Lava has also offered free device replacement for one year in case of hardware issues and free service at home. However, it is too early to talk about this. I have been using the Lava Agni 2 5G smartphone for a few weeks now, and here is my detailed review of the latest mid-range offering from the Indian smartphone maker. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Price and availability" comment="subhead" text="Price and availability">Price and availability</cmsannotation> The Lava Agni 2 is priced at ₹21,999 for the lone 8GB RAM + 256GB internal storage variant. It is available in a single Glass Viridian colour variant from Amazon India. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Lava Agni 2 specifications" comment="subhead" text="Lava Agni 2 specifications">Lava Agni 2 specifications</cmsannotation> <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;" class="redcator-table-advance"><colgroup></colgroup><col /><col /><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Particulars </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Specifications </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Display </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6.78-inch Full HD+ curved AMOLED </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Refresh rate </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">120Hz </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Protection </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Schott Xensation Alpha Glass </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Chipset </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">MediaTek Dimensity 7050 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Variants </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">8GB + 256GB </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Rear camera </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">50MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Selfie camera </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">16MP </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Battery </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4,700mAh </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Charging </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">66W </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Fingerprint sensor </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">In-display fingerprint sensor </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Weight </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">210 grams </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Water resistance </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">NA </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5G </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Yes, SA/NSA </td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody></table> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Pros and cons" comment="subhead" text="Pros and cons">Pros and cons</cmsannotation> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Pros" comment="subhead2" text="Pros">Pros</cmsannotation> <ul><li>Good design with a glass back</li><li>Bloat-free software</li></ul><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Cons" comment="subhead2" text="Cons">Cons</cmsannotation> <ul><li>Average camera</li><li>Bulky</li></ul> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Design and display" comment="subhead" text="Design and display">Design and display</cmsannotation> Design was one of the key areas that Lava focused on and it is evident with the Agni 2 5G’s minimalistic look. It comes with a frosted glass back that gives it a premium look as most devices in this segment offer a plastic back. <div type="image" title="Rear" msid="101151518" hostid="261" sizebytes="55848" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Lava Agni 2 5G features a glass back&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The Lava Agni 2 5G gives a premium feel when you hold it in your hand but the back can be a bit slippery. While the matte finish is able to prevent fingerprint smudges, I recommend using a case to get a better grip. It is to be noted that the Agni 2 5G weighs 210 grams and may feel bulky to some. One-handed usage may be difficult for extended durations, especially if you’re adding more weight by using a case. <div type="image" title="IMG_20230529_173822" msid="101151556" hostid="261" sizebytes="68302" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Rear camera module on the Lava Agni 2 5G&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The smartphone comes with a large circular camera module that houses the quad camera setup at the back. Apart from this, it comes with the Lava 5G branding at the bottom left corner. <div type="image" title="Side" msid="101151567" hostid="261" sizebytes="50876" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Volume rocker and the power button&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Coming to the sides, it comes with a plastic frame that is prone to scratches. While the left side is bare, the right side comes with the volume rockers and the power button. <div type="image" title="Bottom" msid="101151584" hostid="261" sizebytes="44416" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Lava Agni 2 5G bottom&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> On the top, the device comes with just a microphone. The bottom is equipped with a SIM tray, a microphone, the USB Type-C port and the speaker grille. <div type="image" title="Display" msid="101151680" hostid="261" sizebytes="72298" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Lava Agni 2 5G display&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Display is another area where the Agni 2 impressed me. The device comes with a 6.78-inch Full HD+ curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 950 nits of peak brightness. It is one of the few devices in the segment that offers a curved AMOLED display in this segment. The other device is the recently launched<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-11-pro-5g-review-a-mid-ranger-with-a-premium-design/articleshow/100865073.cms"> Realme 11 Pro 5G</a>. The smartphone’s display comes with HDR 10+ support and features thin bezels, making it a good option to watch content or play games. The high brightness also ensures proper visibility, even in direct sunlight. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Software and performance" comment="subhead" text="Software and performance">Software and performance</cmsannotation> In terms of software, the Lava Agni 2 5G runs on Android 13 out of the box and the company has promised to offer two Android updates and three years of security updates. This means that the device will get the<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/android-14-update-to-rollout-soon-find-out-if-your-smartphone-is-eligible/articleshow/101125653.cms"> Android 14</a> and Android 15 updates. The device offers a near-stock experience and unlike a majority of devices in this segment, it comes with a bloat-free UI and does not come with any pre-installed applications. It was refreshing to not have to uninstall a slew of apps soon after booting up a device in this segment. While my experience with the device was good, the UI needs a little refinement to make it smooth. The device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset and comes with 8GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The chipset is able to handle day-to-day tasks with ease and can multitask without any issues. I played games like Battlegrounds Mobile India on the device and while the device did not stutter, it heats up a little after an extended gaming session. It is powered by a 4,700mAh battery coupled with 66W fast charging support. It takes around 45 minutes to fully charge the device and a full charge easily lasts for a day with normal usage and light gaming. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Camera" comment="subhead" text="Camera">Camera</cmsannotation> The Lava Agni 2 5G is equipped with a quad camera setup at the back consisting of a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 2MP depth sensor and a 2MP macro sensor. <div type="image" title="Camera" msid="101151688" hostid="261" sizebytes="41324" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Rear camera module on the Lava Agni 2 5G&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The device offers a simple camera UI and comes with options such as night mode, film, portrait, beauty, macro, time lapse, slow motion, pro mode and more. <div type="image" title="IMG_20230529_173512_947" msid="101151697" hostid="261" sizebytes="272170" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Image captured in daylight conditions&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The camera performs decently in daylight conditions, capturing good detail and dynamic range. The images captured using the ultra-wide sensor did not turn out as good and looked grainy. The device struggled a bit in low-light conditions but this is expected at this price point. On the front, the device comes with a 16MP selfie camera, which captures decent images in daylight but struggles in low-light conditions, just like the primary camera. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Verdict" comment="subhead" text="Verdict">Verdict</cmsannotation> The Lava Agni 2 5G is a good phone at this price point and punches above its weight. The glass back, clean software and immersive display make it a great option under the ₹25,000 segment. The average cameras and occasional software bugs are the biggest drawbacks of the device. In this segment, you can also consider the<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-11-pro-5g-review-a-mid-ranger-with-a-premium-design/articleshow/100865073.cms"> Realme 11 Pro</a>, which also offers a curved AMOLED display. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/moto-edge-40-review-price-specifications-and-design/articleshow/101110748.cms">Moto Edge 40 review – sleek design encasing sturdy performance</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-11-pro-5g-review-a-mid-ranger-with-a-premium-design/articleshow/100865073.cms">Realme 11 Pro 5G review – a mid-ranger with a premium design</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-a54-5g-review-a-premium-experience-at-an-affordable-price/articleshow/100163350.cms">Samsung Galaxy A54 5G review – a premium experience at an affordable price</a>

Lava Agni 2 5G review – Decent performance, good design

Domestic smartphone brand <keyword id="6355189" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="lava" source="Orion">Lava</keyword> on Thursday launched a new affordable smartphone, <keyword id="6360893" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="blaze" source="Orion">Blaze</keyword>, that comes with a glass back design. Priced at Rs 8,699, the smartphone, which also boasts a triple rear camera setup, will be available on online and offline channels through a sale on July 14. "With Blaze, we are trying to meet those expectations. It comes with the latest glass back design, <keyword id="6355645" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="android" source="Orion">Android</keyword> 12, and a 13MP triple camera that makes it an all-rounder. This best-in-segment smartphone is dedicated to every Indian smartphone user that dreams of seeing their country as the next tech superpower," Tejinder Singh, <keyword id="225452" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="product-head" source="Orion">Product Head</keyword>, <keyword id="2001367" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="lava-international-limited" source="Orion">Lava International Limited</keyword>, said in a statement. The smartphone offers a 6.5-inch HD display and sports a 13MP triple rear camera with an 8MP front camera. It is powered by <keyword id="6369515" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="mediatek" source="Orion">MediaTek</keyword> Helio A22 Chipset and coupled with 3GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. It houses a 5000mAh battery along with a 10W type-C fast charger. "We envision a future that is smart and connected, driven by technology democratisation, and the <keyword id="14390463" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="lava-blaze" source="Orion">Lava Blaze</keyword>, powered by MediaTek, reiterates our focus on bringing great value to the consumer. The new Lava smartphone will help bridge the digital divide while furthering the government's Make in India vision," said <keyword id="6471848" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="anku-jain" source="Orion">Anku Jain</keyword>, Managing Director, MediaTek India. "We congratulate Lava on the new release and look forward to a long and fruitful association in the years ahead." SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/lg-electronics-estimates-q2-operating-earnings-fall-by-12-on-weaker-demand/articleshow/92721180.cms">LG Electronics Q2 operating earnings fall by 12% on weaker demand</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/id-fresh-offers-stock-options-to-another-27-employees-aims-to-create-100-crorepatis-in-the-next-three-years/articleshow/92722488.cms">ID Fresh offers stock options to another 27 employees, aims to create 100 crorepatis in the next three years</a>

Lava launches 'Blaze' smartphone at an affordable price in India

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table click-to-enlarge"><div><div class="image on-image"><a title_source="Kyle Russell/Business Insider" title_caption="A man tries the Oculus Rift headset at Facebook's F8 conference." class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/53614ed2eab8eae83b28bb5e-960/img_4043-1.jpg"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/53614ed2eab8eae83b28bb5e-1200-799/img_4043-1.jpg" border="0" alt="facebook f8 oculus rift demo" /></a>Kyle Russell/Business InsiderA man tries the Oculus Rift headset at Facebook's F8 conference.</div></div></div>An Oculus Rift virtual reality headset for consumers could go on sale next year, a company representative told Business Insider at Facebook's F8 developer conference today.
Management at Oculus VR, the Irvine, Calif.-company that Facebook bought for $2 billion earlier this year, will be "disappointed" if it doesn't have a headset available at retail for ordinary people by 2016, according to Jim Redner, an Oculus spokesperson.
A consumer Oculus product in 2015 will be exciting for a couple of reasons:
<ul>
<li>Almost everyone who tries the device is completely blown away by the experience. It's completely different from any other audio-visual gadget you've ever tried - the worlds inside the headsets feel real and deep, because the company has gotten rid of the screen time "lag" that occurs when users move their heads. On top of that, the environment moves naturally as you move. In the game I tried today, I peered out into a lava-filled hellscape full of demons guarding battlements. If I leaned forward, I could see into the rivers of molten rock that flowed between them. Attendees at the conference lined up 20 deep to get 5 minutes with the device.</li>
<li>Oculus will completely turn the console game economy on its head. Once you've played a game inside Oculus, going back to playing on a TV just feels lame.</li>
</ul>
Currently, Oculus is only selling development kits to game creators. The Oculus Rift Development Kit 2 is currently on sale for $350, and units will start shipping to developers only in July of this year. After that, Oculus VR must wait while those developers create an ecosystem of cool games - there is no point in selling the headsets to consumers if there are no games or other content for them to see. There is no word on a price tag for consumers. The company is in the process of building a team to work on marketing and branding the product.
Game creation takes time, but Redner says the current thinking is that there should be enough titles to justify consumer usage by 2016.
<h3>There is a new Oculus inside a secret room in Irvine</h3>
<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right click-to-enlarge"><div><div class="image on-image"><a title_source="Jim Edwards / BI" title_caption="Oculus being demonstrated at F8." class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/53616f1b6bb3f71629d1f9c7-960/facebook-f8-oculus-1.jpg"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/53616f1b6bb3f71629d1f9c7-1200-924/facebook-f8-oculus-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Facebook f8 oculus" /></a>Jim Edwards / BIOculus being demonstrated at F8.</div></div></div>More tantalizing still is what Oculus is hiding inside the secret "Valve Room" within its Irvine headquarters near Los Angeles. (Valve is the company that originally used the room for developing games; Oculus has taken it over.) We first heard about this from Andreessen Horowitz partner Chris Dixon, an investor in Oculus VR, who says that the version of Oculus Rift inside the "special room" is more powerful and impressive than even the existing Crystal Cove and DK2 versions that outsiders have been allowed to play with.
"Crystal Cove is 50% of what they are running in LA," he says. Oculus Rift Crystal Cove is impressive, but it's still obvious that you're inside an animated game environment. It doesn't yet closely approximate reality. However, "what they have in LA does," Dixon tells us. "You go into a room. It's a special room. Fancier headset. ... In user testing it gets to a level of realism where almost all people feel that it's realistic." He gestured to the San Francisco street where we were drinking coffee. "Imagine everything you can see now, but it's a little bit pixelated. Eventually that [pixelation] will go away."
He believes Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg bought the company after being ushered into the Valve Room. (He obviously tried the other versions as well.)
Redner wasn't quite as hyperbolic when asked about the "mythic" room. But he did tell us that the demo version inside the Valve room does feature a photorealistic experience that is so real even people who are very sensitive to motion sickness don't "feel" it.
The test unit has an entire room to itself because it requires a massive amount of processing power to run. It's a headset tethered to a giant server, basically. Oculus expects, eventually, to be able to crunch that down into units that can be sold commercially.
Games will only be the start of it. Once it is commercially available, "There will be a million in the U.S. military, police, and fire services," Dixon says. "Anything to do with training" that is dangerous will utilize an Oculus experience instead, he believes.
We can't wait.

Oculus Rift Will Finally Go On Sale To Consumers Next Year

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/22459698.cms" /> 
How has been the journey so far since you picked up the MD rank at <keyword id="28115" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Intel">Intel</keyword>, South Asia? 
My 18 years (and counting) with Intel has been a wonderful journey. I joined Intel when I was pretty much fresh out of college and the company has taught me everything I know about the business and also made me the person I am today. To me, Intel is like a magical garden with opportunities hidden in every corner. You just need to be hungry enough to look for those and be confident enough to open the door when you find it. The myriad roles I have done at Intel, especially in the first few years, gave me a 360 degree understanding of the business and taught me the importance of collaboration and teamwork, both of which have served me very well. And along the way, I have met some of the smartest and most wonderful people who have helped me grow as an individual and a professional. 
 It was always a dream to get the opportunity to build the <keyword id="54324" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="india-business">India business</keyword>. So when I was told in 2011 that I needed to come back to India, there was absolutely no looking back for me. India is one the most challenging and exciting markets ever and the opportunity to make a difference with technology is much bigger than anywhere else in the world. If India has to make real progress, inclusive growth is a must. For inclusive growth, you have to ensure that every citizen has access to quality education and basic services – be it healthcare or government services. And it is impossible to enable that without technology. Technology, if used right, can empower every citizen to be more successful, productive and contribute greatly to their families, communities and domestic economies. That’s where I see Intel playing a key role in this country. That’s where we want to make a real difference. 
 
I know everyone asks you this, but how is the <keyword id="176127" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Intel-India">Intel India</keyword> business doing? And what we can expect in the coming months on the PC and laptop front from Intel? 
When I think India, I think opportunity. As a country, we are significantly lagging in the use of technology for development and growth. Somewhere, we lost focus and got over-obsessed with devices and hardware. The focus in India needs to be on what we do with the devices and the impact it has on individuals. In that way, we have not even scratched the tip of the iceberg. In fact, I believe that we haven’t even located the iceberg as yet. 
 
The focus in India needs to be on driving real and meaningful usage starting at the grassroots – be it building job skills or finding employment opportunities or finding new markets for small traders or providing preventive healthcare to the masses. Technology is meaningful and useful only when it enables us to be more productive and it makes our lives easier. We have a long way to go to enable that India. What we need is a holistic approach to technology that addresses last-mile access, localised content, digital literacy and, of course, choice of devices to meet different consumer needs. If we get it right, the sum total of the strategy will have more value for the consumers and the industry than the singular focus on hardware or devices that we see in the country. 
 
Regarding devices, the world is moving from the era of personal computers to the era of personal computing. It’s what we do with the technology that becomes much more important than form factors. My belief is – we will see Indian consumers move towards a multi-device lifestyle. The PC, which Andy Grove called the ultimate Darwinian device, will continue to evolve and adapt to changing consumer needs just as it has done all these years. It will get thinner, lighter and capable of doing much more, and the lines between form factors is going to blur. With the innovation we are driving at the CPU level, our partners will have the increased ability to innovate much more around the look and feel and we will see very exciting form factors coming out, based on how consumers are using technology and emerging needs. 
 
A great example is the announcement of 2-in-1 computing. With the launch of the 4th Generation Intel® Core™ processor family, which will drive an unparalleled amount of innovation in the personal computing space, we will see the start of a new era of 2-in-1 computing. A 2-in-1 device works as a PC when you need it and a tablet when you want that, and you’ll soon start seeing a lot of these products in the market. The new Core family delivers the most significant increase in battery life in Intel history with an additional 50% improvement in battery life in active workloads over the previous generation. The 4th generation Intel Core processors, with Intel Iris Graphics, boast up to two times the performance over today’s fastest Intel HD Graphics, thus bringing mobile computing devices to life with built-in, eye-popping visual experiences. All of this is to meet the needs of today’s mobile and multi-tasking consumers. 
 
India is a large market with its set of challenges. Any experience you would like to share where Intel India has done fabulously well? 
Because of our commitment to long-term market development in India, I don’t see the country as a short-term sales opportunity. In fact, that is the biggest mistake one can make. In the short term, the market is and will continue to be one of the most challenging ones we have worked in. But the moment you balance short-term realities with long-term opportunities, the game changes. 
 One example is the <keyword id="1568547" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="National-Digital-Literacy-Mission">National Digital Literacy Mission</keyword> we launched last year. Post my return to the country last year, one of my first observations was that the industry was putting the cart before the horse. We were obsessively focused on just selling what we had, to the audience that was already tech savvy. As a result, it was a market share game for everyone while millions of families were still not connected to the Internet. 
 
There was an urgent need to pull together the industry and focus on creating tomorrow’s users – not just to grow the market but to increase technology usage and impact in the country. NDLM was created with this goal in mind. One of the key reasons why people did not use technology in India was that they did not know what to do with it. The objective of NDLM was to address that and drive digital literacy at the grassroots. Intel’s digital literacy training, Intel® Easy Steps, focuses on integration of technology in our daily lives in very simple ways and this training has received an overwhelming response. Along with our partners, we have worked with over 30 NGOs to train 1.7 million people in India in over a year. 
 
To be successful in India, you have to balance between short-term and long-term priorities, and you have to invest in market creation. These two are my mantras for Intel in India. 
 
Thanks to the new age ultra-books and tablets, the <keyword id="28355" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="PC-market">PC market</keyword> has seen a slow down? Has that affected business? 
As I said above, the personal computer is no longer defined by a form factor. Andy Grove once said that the PC is the ultimate Darwinian device – it will adapt to what consumers need. Right now, computing is evolving and the industry is in a period of transition and hyper-innovation. New shapes like tablets, 2-in-1s and new operating systems are blurring the traditional lines. We now have a much greater choice of devices; we typically own more devices and choose the right one for the task at hand. 
 
When you look across the spectrum of device form factors (i.e., desktop, notebook, Ultrabook, tablet and smartphone) and operating systems, personal computing is evolving and growing. Intel is well positioned to take advantage of the range of computing devices – from the lowest power portable devices to the most powerful data centre servers and everywhere in-between. 
 
In developing the 4th generation Core, Intel was successful in bringing down the power significantly to reach 6W SDP to power the Ultrabooks and will usher in a wave of new 2-in-1 designs. Furthermore, ‘Bay Trail-M’ and ‘Bay Trail-D’, the 22nm SoCs with PC feature sets, will be available later this year for value 2-in-1s, clamshell laptops, desktops and all-in-one computers, ultimately offering users a spectrum of computing products at a variety of affordable price points. Over the last decade, Intel has moved from a company that largely serves the PC industry to one that increasingly provides the vital intelligence inside all things computing. The beauty of all this is that – IF YOU GET IT RIGHT, the sum total of the devices will have more value for the consumers and industry than the individual device itself. That is the business model we are working towards. 
 
If I have to take a shot at predicting the future, I will say that it will see a multitude of devices and they will continue to get smarter, more power-efficient and more intuitive. And they will all have to talk to each other and work together. It is our goal to create that future with relentless innovation. 
 
How important is the rural <keyword id="47445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Indian-market">Indian market</keyword> for Intel? Any new front that Intel is working on here? 
As per a report by McKinsey, the number of people on the Internet in India will be around 330 million by 2015, making it the 2nd largest base worldwide. However, even with 330 million people connected, we will still be at an Internet penetration of 28%, far less than the projected global average of 43%. To achieve a penetration of nearly 40% by 2015, which would be similar to China’s Internet penetration at that date, India would need to have notched up more than 500 million Internet users. And that is impossible without the participation of rural India. So no debate on that one. 
 
However, the reality is that we cannot expect rural India to adopt the Internet unless and until they see the real relevance. And there lies the challenge. We have to start thinking differently about the market and what it takes to win, with the focus mostly on the following areas: 
 
- Increasing awareness about what the Internet can do in a way that is relevant to the audience. For instance, how farmers can use the Internet to get relevant information like weather details and mandi process to plan their transactions better and increase their earnings. The ability to increase income and productivity will be the most important drivers of faster adoption in the country. 
 
- Innovation at the software and hardware levels is a must to enable solutions that meet the needs of the target audience. As we move beyond the cities, the next wave of users will be largely local language users. 
 
But currently, none of the Indian languages features among the top 10 languages on the Internet. We will need to drive content and application in local languages to cater to the audience. We also need to drive innovations at the interface level to enable more intuitive ways of interacting with technology that simplifies ease of use. For example, the day a farmer can speak to his PC and get the latest weather information in his local language, we will see a real need for technology build up in rural India. The industry will also need to think through ecosystem innovation in areas like alternate power sources as lack of electricity is and will continue to be a key roadblock to Internet adoption and usage. 
 
- Both the government and the industry need to keep striving to bring down the total cost of access. There are several success stories globally where governments have driven special tax incentives or subsidies to accelerate adoption in rural segments, SME and education. These initiatives cannot just be about cheap device as the cost of broadband is the largest piece in the total cost of ownership. Also, given the need to drive inclusive growth, just depending on low-end devices for connectivity is not going to help India. 
 
- Last but not the least, we need to ensure there is last-mile access. While the government lays out the National Fibre Optic Network, there has to be steps taken to work with the industry to drive last-mile access plans. 
 
Currently our focus is more on understanding the rural audience. We are working with select NGO partners to conduct several pilots in rural India to understand how technology can help people. That is the best place to start the thinking. 
 
How do you see the fate of the tablet? It is not doing as well as the smartphone, but is definitely eating into the laptop pie. 
I honestly believe that the form factor innovation is just starting and we have seen nothing yet. I think the verdict is out on tablets as they currently exist – they’re here to stay! Today, consumers lead a highly mobile lifestyle and want to be connected at every step. Tablets and smartphones help them do just that. 
 
However, if you look at the usage aspect of ultra-mobile devices, a large part of the usage is for consumption purposes like reading, checking e-mail, social networking, etc., but when it comes to tasks related to creation, users still need something more and that’s where traditional devices like desktops and laptops come in. Still, a tremendous evolution in form factors in these traditional devices is also happening with all-in-one PCs, Ultrabooks and more recently, with the 2-in-1 devices. Intel is at the forefront of enabling the innovation in the personal computing space in all these areas. 
 
When can we see Intel partnering with major mobile brands such as Samsung and Nokia to launch some really powerful smartphones? 
It should come as no surprise that Intel is broadening its scope and delivering a range of sleek, new devices. We are accelerating our Android efforts overall and have multiple tablet projects in the works with dozens of customers. ASUS recently announced its Fonepad, a 7 inch handheld device powered by the new Intel® Atom™ Z2420 processor with 3G voice and mobile data for all the features of an Android smartphone and the convenience of a larger tablet display. Additionally, Samsung recently shared that its new Samsung Galaxy 3 tablets will be running on our Intel Atom Z2560 (Clover Trail +) processor platform and will offer the Android operating system. Our newest Atom platform, Bay Trail, is optimised for both Windows and Android. So we expect to see a number of these devices in 2013. 
 
How is the partnership with the XOLO brand going? Can we expect more smartphones coming under the same brand? Can you share some features they will have? 
We cannot comment on behalf of Lava on their product roadmap. However, what I can tell you is that the launch of the first Intel processor-based smartphone in the world happened right here in India with the launch of XOLO X900. Today, there are three XOLO phones with Intel processors. 
 
On a personal note, if you had the chance to design a tablet or a smartphone, what features (except the Intel Chipset) would you like to have in it? 
Well, the obvious one is that it will have to be an Intel-based device! But if I got a chance to actually design a device, I would like to create a device for the real India, for the millions of people who may not be fluent in English or may not even be literate, but can tremendously benefit from technology if they could use it. My dream device for India is the one that comes with built-in local language speech recognition capabilities, an intuitive interface that can recognise speech and gestures, thus reducing the need to key in words, and with a battery life that can last all day with a few hours of charging to take into account the sporadic access to power in most parts of the country. And yes, it needs to have the flexibility of a tablet and the performance of a laptop built in.

Challenge Lies In
Creating Inclusive, Relevant Technology For India: Debjani
Ghosh,
MD (Sales & Marketing), Intel South Asia

<ul><li>BenQ has launched the <keyword id="4700061" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="zowie" source="Orion">Zowie</keyword> XL2566k gaming monitor in India.</li><li>It is a premium gaming monitor aimed at professional gamers.</li><li>Here’s my review of the BenQ Zowie XL2566K gaming monitor that will help you decide whether to buy the device or not.</li></ul> BenQ is a popular name when it comes to monitors, be it for gaming or for professionals, the company has something to offer for everyone. The company recently launched the BenQ Zowie XL2566K gaming monitor, which is aimed at professional gamers and enthusiasts. If you are a serious gamer, it is important to invest in a good gaming monitor that will help you take your game to the next level. BenQ claims that its new TN panel monitor is designed to deliver the best gaming experience. I have been using the BenQ Zowie XL2566K gaming monitor for a few weeks now, and here is my detailed review of the premium gaming monitor. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Price and availability" comment="subhead" text="Price and availability">Price and availability</cmsannotation> The BenQ Zowie XL2566K gaming monitor is priced at ₹52,500 and is available from Amazon India, Flipkar, MD Computers and other online and offline authorised retailers from across the country. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="In the box" comment="subhead" text="In the box">In the box</cmsannotation> <ul><li>BenQ Zowie XL2566K monitor</li><li>Power cable</li><li>HDMI cable</li><li>DisplayPort cable</li><li>S-Switch</li><li>Shield</li><li>Dust cover</li><li>Documentation</li></ul><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="BenQ Zowie XL2566K specifications" comment="subhead" text="BenQ Zowie XL2566K specifications">BenQ Zowie XL2566K specifications</cmsannotation> <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;" class="redcator-table-advance"><colgroup></colgroup><col /><col /><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Particulars </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Specifications </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Display </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">24.5-inch TN panel </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Resolution </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1920 x 1080 pixels </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Refresh rate </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">360Hz </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Response time </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">0.5ms </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Brightness </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">320 nits </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Connectivity </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">HDMI 2.0, DP 1.4 and headphone jack </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Weight </td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.6260872500000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">9.7 kg </td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody></table> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Pros and cons" comment="subhead" text="Pros and cons">Pros and cons</cmsannotation> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Pros" comment="subhead" text="Pros">Pros</cmsannotation> <ul><li>360Hz refresh rate</li><li>Portability</li></ul><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Cons" comment="subhead" text="Cons">Cons</cmsannotation> <ul><li>Full HD resolution</li></ul><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Design" comment="subhead" text="Design">Design</cmsannotation> The BenQ Zowie XL2566K comes with a minimalistic design and unlike a lot of gaming monitors in the market, it is difficult to differentiate the XL2566K from regular monitors as it lacks the usual funky design and RGB found in gaming monitors. <div type="image" title="Dis 2" msid="101218491" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;BenQ Zowie XL2566K front design&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The monitor has been designed keeping portability in mind, as gamers often carry their setup with them for tournaments. It weighs 6.2 kg, which is on the lighter side when we consider the usual weights for the company’s other monitors. The company has used a plastic body, including for the stand. However, the plastic is sturdy and should not pose an issue. <div type="image" title="Logo" msid="101218506" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Zowie logo at the back&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> While there is no branding at the front, the back has the Zowie logo in red. The stand comes with a small flat base. It offers height adjustment and also allows you to change the angle as per your preference. I found it easy to adjust the monitor to my requirements. <div type="image" title="Rear" msid="101218552" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The rear of the BenQ Zowie XL2566K&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> It comes with side panels that not only allow you to reduce the glare, but also prevent others from looking at your screen from the sides, which can be important during tournaments. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Display and performance" comment="subhead" text="Display and performance">Display and performance</cmsannotation> Coming to the most important part of the monitor, the BenQ Zowie XL2566K features a 24.5-inch TN LCD panel with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 360Hz refresh rate, 320 nits brightness and a 0.5 ms response time. One of the highlights of the monitor is its motion clarity, which has been achieved with the company’s DyAc+ technology which reduces motion blur. <div type="image" title="Game" msid="101218580" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;CS: GO on the BenQ Zowie XL2566K&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> I tried playing several games, including Counter Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch and PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds on the monitor. It is a treat to play games, especially fast-paced first person shooters on the monitor. While the colour production is decent, it is not as good as an IPS or OLED monitor. The monitor comes with several presets and also offers three gamer profiles to customise the display as per your needs. The monitor comes with Advanced Motion Acceleration (AMA) to boost performance. You can choose between high, premium and off. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Verdict" comment="subhead" text="Verdict">Verdict</cmsannotation> The BenQ Zowie XL2566K has a lot going for it and is a good option for gamers looking to upgrade their setup. If you are a casual gamer or someone who is just entering the gaming scene, you can opt for other affordable monitors available in the market. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/asus-rog-flow-z13-review-a-premium-gaming-tablet/articleshow/100850300.cms">Asus ROG Flow Z13 review – a premium gaming tablet</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/lava-agni-2-5g-review-decent-performance-good-design/articleshow/101150310.cms">Lava Agni 2 5G review – Decent performance, good design</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/moto-edge-40-review-price-specifications-and-design/articleshow/101110748.cms">Moto Edge 40 review – sleek design encasing sturdy performance</a>

BenQ Zowie XL2566K review – Minimalist designed monitor for the professional gamers

<ul><li>Leaked render images show a large camera bump in the <keyword id="11214893" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="oneplus-10-pro" source="Orion">OnePlus 10 Pro</keyword>.</li><li>If the images are to be believed, the phone will feature a triple-camera set-up.</li><li>The phone is expected to be launched in the first half of 2022.</li></ul>A new leak has revealed the design of the <keyword id="2210217" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="oneplus" source="Orion">OnePlus</keyword> 10 Pro, the company’s unreleased flagship phone that is expected to release next year. The leaked images of the camera bump were shared by well-known leakster Steve H.McFly on Twitter in collaboration with <a href="https://zouton.com/news/oneplus-10-pro-leak-price-specs-renders-designs-new-edition-exclusive">Zouton US</a>. <div type="twitter" handle="OnLeaks" handlename="Steve H.McFly" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1366342831363809281/JORvf6_U_normal.jpg" favoritecount="419" retweetcount="47" status="Sooo... I'm back from the Future again, this time with the very first and early look at the #OnePlus10Pro in form o… https://t.co/gQxuEX4Wzc" createdat="1636485746000" id="1458153024279482374"></div> The photo shows a triple-camera set-up housed at the top-left of the back with a unique bump that extends into the side of the phone, similar to the Samsung Galaxy S21. The photo is claimed to be based on a real life image of an early prototype, however; it was probably converted into a render to prevent sharing any additional details that may land the leakster into trouble. If the render images come true, we will see the reduction of one camera in the upcoming flagship device from its predecessor <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/comparison-between-oneplus-9-vs-oneplus-9-pro-mobiles/slidelist/81664642.cms">OnePlus 9 Pro</a> that had a quad-camera set-up. This could be the 2MP monochrome sensor. While this is an early buzz about OnePlus’s upcoming smartphone, the Zouton post gives some insights into what we can expect in terms of specifications. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Expected specifications of OnePlus 10 Pro" comment="subhead" text="Expected specifications of OnePlus 10 Pro">Expected specifications of OnePlus 10 Pro</cmsannotation> The phone is expected to sport a 6.7-inch fluid AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate while packing a slightly larger 5,000mAh battery. In terms of storage, it could have the 128GB and 256GB options along with 8GB and 12GB RAM, respectively. It is speculated to retail at around $1,069 (approx. ₹80,000) in the US market. While these are just speculations, the company is yet to announce them officially. Some of them may vary at the time of launch. However, OnePlus has announced that the upcoming smartphones from the company will do away with the OxygenOS software and feature a new software that is a merger between Oppo’s ColorOS and OxygenOS. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/apple-iphone-13s-woes-due-to-chip-shortage-may-continue-till-february-2022/articleshow/87604228.cms">Apple iPhone 13's woes due to chip shortage may continue till February 2022</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/lava-makes-a-comeback-with-the-agni-5g-becomes-the-first-indian-company-to-launch-a-5g-smartphone/slidelist/87603446.cms">Lava makes a comeback with the Agni 5G, becomes the first Indian company to launch a 5G smartphone</a>

Leaked images reveal first look of OnePlus 10 Pro’s large camera bump

<ul><li><keyword id="3480589" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="meesho" source="Orion">Meesho</keyword> has raised $570 million, doubling its valuation to $4.9 billion from $2.1 billion reported in April. </li><li>It aims to reach 100 million monthly transacting users by December 2022, growing over seven-times from the current 15 million.</li><li>Meesho will also invest a part of this capital in its grocery delivery marketplace Farmiso, which was launched earlier this year.</li></ul>Social commerce platform Meesho has raised $570 million in a round led by Fidelity Management and Facebook cofounder-owned B Capital. The company has doubled its valuation to $4.9 billion from $2.1 billion<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/facebook-backed-meesho-raises-300-million-from-softbank-vision-fund-2-valuation-jumps-to-over-2-billion/articleshow/81907721.cms"> reported in April</a> this year. The company plans to use this capital to double down on its research and development (R&amp;D) teams and acquire more users. It aims to reach 100 million monthly transacting users by December 2022, growing over seven-times from the current 15 million. For this, it will deploy the capital to grow its technology and product team and increase its selection to include over 50 million products. Meesho among the biggest bets of this year The year 2021 has been a record-breaking year for Indian startups so far. The new age companies are now hitting the public market, cracking the biggest funding deals and more companies being valued at over a billion dollars. According to business intelligence firm Tracxn, Indian startups have raised $23 billion in 2021 till September 1. This is significantly higher than the $13 million raised by the industry all through 2020. Here are some of the biggest funding rounds of 2021 so far: <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;" class="redcator-table-advance"><colgroup></colgroup><col /><col /><col /><col /><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Startup </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Funding </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Valuation </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Investors </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Swiggy </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$800 million </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$5 billion </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Falcon Edge Capital, Goldman Sachs, Think Capital and others </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Eruditus </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$650 million </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$3.2 billion </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Accel, SoftBank, Leeds Illuminate, Prosus and others </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">ShareChat </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$647 million </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$2.88 billion </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Tiger Global Management, Mirae-Naver Asia Growth fund </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Meesho </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$570 million </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$4.9 billion </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Fidelity Management, B Capital </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Ola </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$500 million </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$6 billion+ </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Temasek, Warburg Pincus, others </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Byju’s </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$490 millon </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$16.87 billion </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">UBS, Blackstone, ADQ, Asmaan Ventures </td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody><tbody></tbody></table> Walmart-owned ecommerce biggie Flipkart too raised <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/flipkart-raises-3-6-billion-at-a-valuation-of-over-37-billion/articleshow/84338594.cms">$3.6 billion this year</a>, at a valuation of $37 billion, but the company is way past the startup tag to be a part of this list. Meesho plans to expand its grocery vertical Meesho will also invest a part of this capital in its grocery delivery marketplace Farmiso, which was launched earlier this year. The company also plans to hire aggressively for this specific vertical. The six-year-old startup runs a three-sided marketplace with suppliers, resellers and customers at the crux of it. Resellers buy unbranded fashion products from suppliers and later, sell it to the customers via social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram. It also has a direct sales channel. The latest round witnessed participation from new investors such as Footpath Ventures, Trifecta Capital and Good Capital. Even existing investors Prosus Ventures, SoftBank Vision Fund 2 and Facebook infused an undisclosed amount in the social commerce startup. DealShare — next in line to enter the unicorn club? Meesho was founded by Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal in 2015 and is currently the biggest social commerce platform in the country. It competes with Tiger Global-backed DealShare, Accel-backed Glowroad and Elevation Capital-backed CityMall. DealShare is expected to be the next social commerce startup to enter the unicorn club, a startup with a valuation of over a billion dollars. According to an Entrackr <a href="https://entrackr.com/2021/08/exclusive-dealshare-in-talks-to-raise-a-new-round-at-over-1-bn-valuation/">report</a>, the company is in talks with new and existing investors to raise a fresh round at over $1 billion valuation. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/the-amazon-bribery-case-in-india-is-getting-murkier-and-the-lack-of-transparency-is-not-helping/articleshow/86553927.cms">The murky case of bribery, allegedly on behalf of Amazon, has many unanswered questions </a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/one-in-every-ten-feature-phone-user-in-india-uses-lava-and-it-is-now-going-to-the-public-to-raise-money/articleshow/86635642.cms">One in every ten feature phone user in India uses Lava, and it is now going to the public to raise money</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/indian-overseas-bank-shares-jump-as-rbi-allows-it-to-give-loans-without-restrictions/articleshow/86635420.cms">Indian Overseas Bank lost six years and half its business to clean up its bad loans but the market is cheering</a>

Meesho raises more than half a billion dollars in the fourth biggest funding round this year

<ul><li>Over 22 firms including Apple, Samsung, Lava line up with proposals to manufacture mobile phones in India</li><li>Government's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for <keyword id="2922097" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="mobile-phone-manufacturing">mobile phone manufacturing</keyword> expected to create around 12 lakh jobs</li><li>There is no price limit for Indian companies under the scheme.</li></ul> As many as 22 domestic and international firms, including iPhone maker Apple's contract manufacturers as well as Samsung, Lava, Dixon and so forth, have lined up with proposals for mobile phones production worth Rs 11 lakh crore over the next five years, Union Telecom and IT Minister <keyword id="6354886" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ravi-Shankar-Prasad">Ravi Shankar Prasad</keyword> said on Saturday. The minister said these proposals under the government's Rs 41,000-crore production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for mobile phone manufacturing are expected to create around 12 lakh jobs, 3 lakh direct and 9 lakh indirect employment opportunities, in the country. "There will be huge (mobile phone) production of around Rs 11 lakh crore, huge export of around Rs 7 lakh crore and great employment opportunity for 3 lakh direct and 9 lakh indirect people. I personally thank all the companies that have applied," Prasad told reporters. He said that a total of 22 companies have filed applications under the PLI scheme from various countries including Taiwan, South Korea, Germany, Austria, etc. "The benchmark for international companies was that they make mobile phones priced at or above Rs 15,000. International companies that have applied are Samsung, Foxconn Hon Hai, Rising Star, Wistron and Pegatron," Prasad said. Foxconn Hon Hai, Wistron and Pegatron are contract manufacturers for Apple iPhones. There is no price limit for Indian companies under the scheme. In terms of revenue, Apple accounts for 37 per cent and Samsung 22 per cent for global sales of mobile phones and the PLI scheme is expected to increase their manufacturing base manifold in the country, an official statement issued by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (Meity) said. The minister further said these companies will make thousands of crores investments based on the approval of their proposal. Prasad said Indian companies, including Lava, Dixon Technologies, Bhagwati (Micromax), Padget Electronics, Sojo Manufacturing Services and Optiemus Electronics, have applied under the scheme and 10 companies have filed applications under the Specified Electronic Components Segment. The companies that have applied for components production of around Rs 45,000 crore include AT&amp;S, Ascent Circuits, Visicon, Walsin, Sahasra, Vitesco and Neolync. There were no applications from Chinese companies under the scheme. The minister said India is not averse to investment from any country but companies will have to follow rules related to security clearance, etc. The government notified production linked incentive scheme for large scale electronics manufacturing, the scheme for promotion of manufacturing of electronic components and semiconductors, and the modified electronics manufacturing clusters (EMC 2.0) scheme. The government expects to attract Rs 1 lakh crore investment in the sector and sees a target manufacturing revenue potential of Rs 10 lakh crore by 2025. The fresh proposals have exceeded the government's manufacturing revenue target but the final outcome will depend on the decision of the screening committee that will select projects eligible for incentives.

Apple vendors, Samsung, others line up with ₹11-lakh cr mobile phone mfg proposals: Prasad

The Ministry of Electronics and IT has approved the applications of <keyword id="10591" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Samsung">Samsung</keyword>, <keyword id="6354671" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Foxconn">Foxconn</keyword> Hon Hai, <keyword id="274256" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pegatron">Pegatron</keyword>, Rising Star and <keyword id="1930805" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Wistron">Wistron</keyword> from among the international applicants for manufacturing of <keyword id="38260" type="TECHNOLOGY" weightage="20" keywordseo="mobile-phones">mobile phones</keyword> in India under the government's Production-Linked Incentive scheme. Out of these, Foxconn Hon Hai, Wistron and Pegatron are contract manufacturers for <keyword id="626905" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Apple-iPhones">Apple iPhones</keyword>. Apple (37 per cent) and Samsung (22 per cent) together account for nearly 60 per cent of global sales revenue of mobile phones and this scheme is expected to increase their manufacturing base manifold in the country, an official statement said. "The international mobile phone manufacturing companies that are approved under mobile phone (invoice value Rs 15,000 and above) segment are Samsung, Foxconn Hon Hai, Rising Star, Wistron and Pegatron," it said. The domestic companies approved for mobile phone manufacturing under the scheme are Lava, Bhagwati (<keyword id="71696" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Micromax">Micromax</keyword>), Padget Electronics, UTL Neolyncs and Optiemus Electronics. These companies are expected to expand their manufacturing operations in a significant manner. Further, six companies approved under the Specified Electronic Components Segment are AAT&amp;S, Ascent Circuits, Visicon, Walsin, Sahasra and Neolync. The PLI scheme for large scale electronics manufacturing notified on April 1, 2020, extends an incentive of 4-6 per cent on incremental sales (over base year) of goods under target segments that are manufactured in India to eligible companies, for a period of five years subsequent to the base year (FY2019-20). In total, the ministry has approved the applications of 16 companies under the scheme. As per the ministry, the companies approved under the scheme will bring additional investment in electronics manufacturing to the tune of Rs 11,000 crore. The companies will also generate more than 2 lakh direct employment opportunities in the next five years along with creation of additional indirect employment of nearly 3 times the direct employment, the statement said. "The PLI scheme has been a huge success in terms of the applications received from global as well as domestic mobile phone manufacturing companies and electronic components manufacturers," a tweet by the ministry quoted Union Minister for Electronics and IT, <keyword id="6354886" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ravi-Shankar-Prasad">Ravi Shankar Prasad</keyword>, as saying. The industry also has hailed the approvals. ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo said: "The approval for global companies is on expected lines. The approval for Indian companies is very fair and each company has got one approval." He noted that now the challenge would be whether these Indian companies build core design and brand capabilities and also scale up to become globally competitive, or some of them use it tactically and fade out with the PLI incentive. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/inside-indias-50000-crore-scheme-to-woo-electronics-manufacturing-including-smartphones/articleshow/76207462.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Inside India’s ₹50,000 crore scheme to woo electronics manufacturing including smartphones</a>

Samsung, Foxconn and Pegatron among 16 companies to get government nod to boost mobile manufacturing in India

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/49383158.cms" /> 
Just at a time when the tech savvys across the country were assuming the fate of net neutrality, Aircel has come up with a plan that would enable access to basic free internet in a year as part of the telecom operator strategy to push mobile internet usage. 
 
"Our intent is that everybody should have access to Internet and it should not be limited to only elites. We have started offering free basic Internet service in Tamil Nadu and it should be available across India in a year," Aircel Chief Marketing Officer Anupam Vasudev told PTI. 
 
The company under its Free Basic Internet programme is offering service with download speed of 64 kb per second. 
 
"For new customers it is free for three months. After that if they continue to be active, customers by recharging with amount of at least Rs 150 in a month, the free basic Internet will be complimentary for them," Aircel Vice President for Data, Devices and Online Sunil Kuttam said. 
 
The company is strengthening its 3G network with target to have around 20,000 mobile sites by end of next year. 
 
Talking about strategy to attract customers to enhance their data usage, Kuttam said that the company has partnered Microsoft, Samsung, Gionee, Micromax, Lava, Karbonn and Intex to offer their move devices at discounted price with some amount of free data. 
 
Aircel is also partnering Snapdeal, Amazon and Flipkart to sell paper recharge. These recharges would bel sold under cash on delivery model for those customers who are skeptical of sharing their debit or credit card details online. 
 
The company today announced sale of two recharge vouchers in denomination of Rs 402 and Rs 602 through Snapdeal which will offer 3G and 2G mobile Internet service at discounted price compared with options available through retail channels. 
 
"We are offering 100 minutes talk time and 3 GB of 3G and 2G data, depending on the location of subscriber, which is very less than price available through other channels," Vasudev said. 
 
Aircel has also partnered Ingram, a mobile insurance provider, for Aircel Cover Plus. Any customer who buys a new smartphone through Aircel Will be able to choose from two variants of this product within seven days of the purchase for getting coverage limited to Accidental and Liquid Damage only. 
 
For new smartphones up to Rs 10,000 customers can purchase Rs 499 pack that offers benefits worth Rs 1,200. This will also include 1GB Aircel data for three months. The other pack available for Rs 799 pack offers insurance for smartphones up to Rs 55,000 and will include 1GB data for three months and Premium Anti-Virus.

It’s raining goodies from Aircel. One year free internet is the best of the lot

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55dd8b4ddd0895350f8b4597-1044-783/rtx1fooh.jpg" alt="Tim Cook sad disappointed unhappy" data-mce-source="REUTERS/Robert Galbraith" data-mce-caption="Apple CEO Tim Cook delivers his keynote address at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, California June 8, 2015. " />REUTERS/Robert GalbraithApple CEO Tim Cook.</div></div></div>Apple might trounce Android manufacturers when it comes to the profitability of its smartphones, but Google's mobile operating system dominates in the numbers game. And it looks like that's unlikely to change any time soon.<a href="http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS25860315">Research firm IDC is forecasting that Android will retain its 81.1% worldwide market share of smartphone sales right through to 2019</a>, as it predicts a dramatic slowdown in global growth - a 10.4% increase in 2015, down from 27.5% in 2014. IDC also forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next five years of just 7.9% across the industry.So where does the iPhone fit into this? Looking forward, IDC says that "markets with the biggest growth opportunity are extremely price sensitive." This translates into new consumers in emerging economies looking for low-cost smartphones - a demographic with which Apple is unlikely to make any significant in-roads.Right now, the Android market is cut-throat. Profit margins are razor-thin - LG makes just a penny in profit per device - <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/android-fragmentation-and-htc-sales-and-profits-2015-8">and established players like HTC are imploding</a>, while dirt cheap Android handset manufacturers like Huawei and Xiaomi are enjoying stratospheric rises.Previously, the Chinese market has been a key driver of these companies' growth. But this year, it saw a significant slowdown in sales growth due to a maturation of the market - and as such is also in large part responsible for the global slowdown. In 2014, the Asian nation saw a 19.7% growth in smartphone sales; in 2015, IDC is forecasting growth of just 1.2%.Because of China's rising middle class, it has also been an important target for Apple, which launched an aggressive retail expansion in the country in 2015. Earlier this week, <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/tim-cook-email-to-jim-cramer-2015-8?r=US&amp;IR=T">CEO Tim Cook even took the unusual step of emailing CNBC host Jim Cramer</a> in response to the country's growing economic malaise to say that everything is fine.But even as the Chinese smartphone market's overall growth slows, there may still be room for expansion for Apple, by targeting higher-end Android owners and encouraging them to make the jump to iOS. Low-end manufacturers, however, will be forced to look elsewhere to maintain growth.Xiaomi is expanding into Latin America as well as a number of other Asian countries including India, which IDC highlights as a promising market. "China clearly remains a very important market. However, the focus will be more on exports than consumption as domestic growth slows significantly," said IDC program director <a href="http://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=PRF004061">Ryan Reith</a>. "India has captured a lot of the attention that China previously received and it's now the market with the most potential upside. The interesting thing to watch will be the possibility of manufacturing moving from China and Vietnam over to India. We've begun to see this move as a means to cut costs and capitalize on financial benefits associated with localized India manufacturing. It is the local vendors like Micromax, Lava, and Intex that will feel the most pressure from international competition within its market."<h2>Here's IDC's data:</h2><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55dd8b4edd0895350f8b4599-1200-576/idc 5 year forecast 2019 smartphones global.png" alt="IDC 5 year forecast 2019 smartphones global" data-mce-source="IDC" />IDC</div></div></div>In short: Even as previous Android-heavy markets mature, new ones will continue to grow across the globe. As tens of millions of people in emerging markets start buying smartphones, the ongoing Android price war will make the platform more attractive than ever - securing Google's lead for years to come. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/fallout-4-video-walkthrough-2015-7">This is the 'Fallout 4' video fans have been waiting months to see</a></h3> <div> <div> <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="NpOWZjdjqhAFSA_U-b0VFKYUSm9O98oi" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> <script> if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; } RunFunctions.push(function() { var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'NpOWZjdjqhAFSA_U-b0VFKYUSm9O98oi',{ autoplay: 'false' }); }); </script> <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div> </div> <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script> </div>

Here's why the iPhone isn't going to catch up to Android any time soon

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/568d04d8e6183e55008b7209-3581-2686/rtx2144t.jpg" alt="volcano erruption" data-mce-source="Reuters/Adwit B Pramono/Antara Foto" data-mce-caption="Indonesia's Mount Soputan volcano spews lava and ash during an eruption as seen from Silian 3 village in Minahasa Tenggara, Indonesia's Sulawesi island." data-link="http://pictures.reuters.com/Package/2C0BF1FAK2FM4#/SearchResult&amp;ALID=2C0BF1FAK2FM4&amp;VBID=2C0BX4X7RL0D&amp;POPUPPN=18&amp;POPUPIID=2C0BF1FAA0SZY" /><a href="http://pictures.reuters.com/Package/2C0BF1FAK2FM4#/SearchResult&amp;ALID=2C0BF1FAK2FM4&amp;VBID=2C0BX4X7RL0D&amp;POPUPPN=18&amp;POPUPIID=2C0BF1FAA0SZY">Reuters/Adwit B Pramono/Antara Foto</a>Indonesia's Mount Soputan volcano spews lava and ash during an eruption as seen from Silian 3 village in Minahasa Tenggara, Indonesia's Sulawesi island.</div></div></div>Here is what you need to know.<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/chinas-services-sector-slowing-to-a-crawl-2016-1">China's services sector nears its lowest level in a decade</a>. China's Caixin-Markit Services PMI fell to 50.2 in November, hitting its lowest level since July 2014. Any reading below 50.0 would represent a services sector that is contracting and would be the lowest since record-keeping began in November 2005. China's yuan fell to a five-year low in response to the news, sliding 0.6% to 6.5567 per dollar.<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/north-korea-hydrogen-bomb-claim-2016-1">North Korea says it successfully tested a hydrogen bomb</a>. North Korea says it has successfully tested a "miniaturized" hydrogen bomb. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea announced the test on state TV hours after South Korea reported that an artificial earthquake had occurred 30 miles north of the DPRK's nuclear-testing center. Some experts are skeptical of the claims, however, suggesting that North Korea's state-run television likes to exaggerate or outright lie. In response to the news, the South Korean won weakened 0.8% to 1,197.20 per dollar, a near 5-1/2-year low.<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/oil-price-falls-to-11-year-low-january-6th-2016-1">Crude oil is under pressure</a>. West Texas Intermediate crude oil hit a low of $34.80 in early trade. Wednesday's selling has not yet been able to take out the almost 7-year low of $33.98, which was set in December. Currently, WTI is trading lower by 2.5% at $35.07 per barrel. Elsewhere, Brent crude oil touched an 11-year low of $34.83 per barrel before recovering to its current $35.13.<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/report-valeant-is-appointing-a-new-ceo-2016-1">A report says Valeant is naming a new CEO</a>. The embattled pharmaceutical company is reportedly going to name a new CEO as Michael Pearson remains hospitalized with pneumonia. Current CFO Robert Rosiello and former CFO Howard Schiller are being considered for the temporary role.<a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-verizon-datacenters-exclusive-idUSKBN0UJ29G20160106">Verizon wants to sell its data centers</a>. Verizon is looking to sell its data centers for more than $2.5 billion, according to Reuters. Up for sale are 48 data centers, which generate EBITDA of about $275 million, someone close to the matter told Reuters. Verizon is being advised by Citigroup.<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=newssearch&amp;cd=1&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjvoPfNiZXKAhVGdz4KHWtiA0kQqQIIHCgAMAA&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bloomberg.com%2Fnews%2Farticles%2F2016-01-05%2Fjpmorgan-picks-virtu-as-new-nyse-market-maker-replacing-kcg&amp;usg=AFQjCNGnoVlk5E0uVnL3kEoFX1YwGjf1kQ&amp;bvm=bv.110151844,d.cWw">Virtu has been picked as the next NYSE market maker</a>. Bloomberg reports, a notice sent to traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange revealed JPMorgan has chosen Virtu as the exchange's next market maker. Virtu replaces KCG on Wednesday.Monsanto reports ahead of the opening bell. The Bloomberg consensus expects the ag giant to lose $0.23 per share on revenue of $2.39 billion. Monsanto has guided for a loss of $0.28 per share.Stock markets around most of the globe are lower. France's CAC (-1.6%) leads the way lower in Europe, Overnight, Australia's ASX (-1.1%) paced the decline while China's Shanghai Composite (+2.3%) outperformed. S&amp;P 500 futures are sharply lower, down 30.25 points at 1981.50. The minutes from the December Fed meeting will be released. The minutes will provide more detail from the meeting which produced the first Fed rate hike since June 2006. Traders will be parsing the minutes closely for any clues as to when the Fed might hike again, and what the pace of the rate hike cycle might be.US economic data picks up. ADP Employment Change kicks off a heavy morning of data at 8:15 a.m. ET, and is followed by the trade balance at 8:30 a.m. ET. Then, factory orders and ISM Services will cross the wires at 10 a.m. ET. Finally, crude oil inventories will be released at 10:30 a.m. ET. The US 10-year yield is down 5 basis points at 2.19%. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/chinese-executives-keep-disappearing-stock-market-meltdown-anti-corruption-china-2015-12">Why Chinese executives keep disappearing</a></h3> <div> <div> <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="g3eWdveTpepeZ-LdZ73HZ6YlFXtKq3ZB" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> <script> if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; } RunFunctions.push(function() { var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'g3eWdveTpepeZ-LdZ73HZ6YlFXtKq3ZB',{ autoplay: 'false' }); }); </script> <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div> </div> <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script> </div>

10 things you need to know before the opening bell

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55192c26eab8eac87a16d74f-1200-924/volcano-31.jpg" border="0" alt="volcano"><a href="http://pictures.reuters.com/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&amp;ALID=2C0408WA5NPE1&amp;PBC=2C0BF1I3K5MC:2C0408W9FLYFM:2C0408WA5NPE1">Reuters/STRINGER Chile</a>Smoke and lava spew from the Villarrica volcano, as seen from Pucon town in the south of Santiago March 29, 2015.</img></div></div></div>Good morning! It is jobs week in the US, and ahead of Monday's open here is what you need to know.Greece 's reform list has still not been submitted. Contrary to reports out on Friday, <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/r-greek-reform-list-yet-to-take-shape-as-talks-with-lenders-continue-2015-3#ixzz3VqRe3iJj">a list of Greek reforms has not yet been completed</a>. Greece's 240 billion euro lifeline has been granted by its creditors, but not yet given to Greece as the government must still prove to its creditors it is working towards strengthening its balance sheet. Greece's 3-year yield is up 38 basis points at 20.59%.Greece's credit rating was cut by Fitch. The announcement came following Friday's close with the credit rating agency cutting Greece two notches to 'CCC,' indicating a default is "<a href="https://www.fitchratings.com/jsp/general/RatingsDefinitions.faces?context=5&amp;detail=507&amp;context_ln=5&amp;detail_ln=500">a real possibility</a>." Fitch analysts noted in a statement, "Lack of market access, uncertain prospects of timely disbursement from official institutions, and tight liquidity conditions in the domestic banking sector have put extreme pressure on Greek government funding." China eased mortgage rules. The People's Bank of China <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-30/china-reduces-second-home-down-payment-requirement-to-40-percent">reduced the required downpayment</a> on a second home to 40% (60% previous) in an effort to revive the property sector. New home sales have seen year-over-year declines in 13 of the past 14 months. China's yuan added 0.1% to 6.2078. Japan's industrial production plunged. Monday's reading printed at -3.4% month-over-month, which was well short of the -1.8% MoM that was anticipated. The number is <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/japan-industrial-output-falls-1427676470">the latest headache for the Bank of Japan</a> after last week's inflation reading was zero. Japan's yen is down 0.5% at 119.78 per dollar. Euro area economic sentiment is at an 8-year high. The European Commission's Confidence Index rose to -3.7 (-6.7 previous), making for the <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/eurozone-consumer-confidence-figures-march-2015-3">best reading since the middle of 2007</a>. Economic sentiment was also strong, printing at 103.9, the best since mid-2011. The euro is lower by 0.5% at 119.78. Crude oil is getting smoked as the deadline for nuclear talks with Iran nears. Talks are nearing the 11th hour with <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-oil-prices-dip-as-iran-world-powers-seek-nuclear-deal-2015-3#ixzz3VqQjNvW5">the deadline less than 48 hours away</a>. Six world powers are trying to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran in exchange for lifting economic sanctions. Israeli Prime Minister <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-expected-iranian-nuclear-deal-worse-than-israel-feared-netanyahu-2015-3#ixzz3VqTVZxj6">Benjamin Netanyahu argues the deal is worse than Israel feared</a>. Crude oil is down 1.9% at $47.95 per barrel. Best Buy Canada is restructuring. The electronics retailer announced <a href="http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/03/28/future-shop-closing-all-stores-in-canada.html">the closing of 66 stores and the rebranding of 65 others</a>. The names of the remaining stores will be changed to 'Best Buy' from 'The Future Shop.' Approximately 500 full-time employees and 1,000 part-time employees have been eliminated. Best Buy will spend about $200 million over the next two years during the restructuring. Merger Monday has produced 2 mergers in the pharma space. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/31/business/dealbook/unitedhealth-to-buy-pharmacy-benefits-manager-catamaran-in-12-8-billion-deal.html?_r=0">UnitedHealth Group will buy Catamaran</a> for $61.50 per share, or $12.8 billion. The deal represents a 27% premium to Friday's closing price. Also, <a href="http://www.streetinsider.com/FDA/Teva+Pharma+(TEVA)+to+Acquire+Auspex+Pharma+(ASPX)+in+$3.2B+Deal/10411438.html">Teva Pharmaceuticals announced it will buy Auspex Pharmaceuticals</a> for $101.00 per share, or $3.2 billion. The buyout comes at a 42% premium to Friday's close. Global stock markets are higher. China's Shanghai Composite (+2.9%) led Asian markets higher, climbing to its <a href="http://www.ft.com/intl/fastft/300123/shanghai-composite-rallies-seven-year-high">best level in seven years</a>. In Europe, Germany's DAX (+1.5%) is pacing the advance. US economic data flows. Personal income, personal spending and PCE are all set for release at 8:30 am ET while pending home sales are due out at 10 am ET.

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/49301964.cms" style="width: 800px; height: 600px;" /> 
Longer battery life has been a perennial wish of the users of smartphones. This wish would be fulfilled soon as an entire industry has emerged to solve the crisis, offering a whole lot of stuff from fast wireless chargers to power banks to keep the increasingly gorgeous and slimmer smartphone awake. 
 

	"Nearly 30 per cent of our annual smartphone unit sales have power banks bundled in," said Alok Gupta, managing director and chief executive of The Mobile Store, India's largest cellphone retailer, told ET. The advent of 3G and 4G services, which are data-centric and so power-hungry as well, has boosted demand for stuff like power banks, he said. "Two years ago, less than 1 per cent of our annual smartphone sales had power banks bundled in." 
 

	While buyers do want phones with longer battery life, the slimmer ones are preferred more, say industry executives. That is limiting the room to fit in a bulkier and more powerful battery. 
 

	"Two out of three consumers prefer slimmer smartphones vis-a-vis phones with bigger batteries that are thicker, which prompted us to explore ways to optimise a smartphone's operating system to make it run longer," said Navin Chawla, vice-president and products head at smartphone maker Lava International.
 <keyword id="71696" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Micromax">Micromax</keyword>, India's No 2 handset maker, said despite intensive research on packing in more power in slimmer cells, it has yet to see "concrete results". 

	That means, heavy smartphone users like former school teacher Payal Chattopadhyay would continue to be frustrated by the battery that drains out every few hours. "I WhatsApp a lot and love shooting and sharing photos with my smartphone and it's very frustrating when the battery drains out real quick after I've used the flash a bunch of times and uploaded photos," Chattopadhyay said. "There's clearly a gap in what top smartphone brands offer by way of battery life and what 3G/4G customers actually require," she added. 
 

	"There's a need for smartphone batteries to evolve," said Manish Sharma, managing director at the local unit of Panasonic, a major smartphone battery manufacturer. Researchers are trying to find ways to improve power capacity, optimise hardware and software, and provide faster charging solutions, he said. 
 Smartphone vendors and ecosystem partners such as US chip-maker <keyword id="104695" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Qualcomm">Qualcomm</keyword> are developing fast wireless charging, software upgrades and gadgets like power banks to deal with the problem, but these steps don't address the real issue of adding more punch to the battery itself. Chinese smartphone maker <keyword id="874458" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Xiaomi">Xiaomi</keyword> said it has designed one of "the smallest and thinnest motherboards" for its flagship Mi 4i range of smartphones to make space for "a huge 3120 mAH battery, which can run for a day and half with normal usage. Motorola and <keyword id="13722" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lenovo">Lenovo</keyword>, along with a clutch of smaller brands such as Mitashi, <keyword id="49855" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="philips">Philips</keyword>, Gionee and <keyword id="1018836" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Xolo">Xolo</keyword>, have come up with phones with strong battery capacities, ranging between 3900 mAh and 5300 mAh. But these products are heavier and not among the most popular choices of the smartphone user. The <keyword id="6354606" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="iPhone">iPhone</keyword> 6s has a modest 1715 mAh battery, lower than the older iPhone 6 that has a battery strength of 1810 mAh. The fancy <keyword id="173725" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Samsung-Galaxy">Samsung Galaxy</keyword> S6 has a 2550 mAh battery. Higher the mAh, or millampere-hour, the better the battery capacity. The companies though say upgrades in the phones have made them run longer than earlier versions. 

	Samsung, the global and India market leader in smartphones, and Qualcomm said one of the areas they are focusing on is super-fast charging technology. 
 Samsung's adaptive fast charge technology enables a Galaxy S6 user to get four hours of usage by charging the phone for 10 minutes and a 50 per cent charge in 30 minutes, said a <keyword id="135365" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Samsung-Electronics">Samsung Electronics</keyword> India spokesman. The company is also applying a new method to "significantly enhance the capacity of lithium-ion batteries" that power smartphones. 

	Qualcomm recently unveiled Quick Charge 3.0, a phone charging technology that enables a mobile device to charge from zero to 80 per cent in a just 35 minutes. The US chip-maker declined to share specifics, but the company recently said Quick Charge 3.0 would be available "in mobile devices shipped from next year". 
 <keyword id="6354427" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Apple">Apple</keyword>, <keyword id="6355629" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Google">Google</keyword>, <keyword id="10387" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Microsoft">Microsoft</keyword> and Huawei did not reply to queries on how they are addressing smartphone battery life challenges. 

	Meanwhile, people are getting used to taking the paraphernalia along, wherever they go, as the phones often require a powernap every few hours.

	 
	 
	(Image credits: lifehack)

Battery life crisis of smartphones prompted an entire industry to emerge to solve it

<img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5e307fe262fa81054e6d2365-2400/20190112rachelpitzelfinal-3329.jpg" alt="2019.01.12_RachelPitzel_FINAL 3329" />Courtesy of Rachel PitzelRachel Pitzel spent $1,000 on a "party stylist" to ensure her daughter's fifth birthday party theme was cohesive.<ul class="summary-list"><li>A one-year-old recently had a Luxembourg Gardens-inspired birthday party in Washington, D.C that cost six figures to throw.</li><li>It's not uncommon for wealthy parents to spend $50,000 or more on swanky soirees for their kids thanks to social media pressure to out-do one another.</li><li>Parents want custom-everything nowadays for their bashes, including $5,000 ball pits.</li><li>Even good old-fashioned sleepovers have been given a luxe makeover by companies charging four-figures for fanciful tent set-ups complete with breakfast trays, accent pillows and lanterns. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>This summer, a Parisian garden-theme party was one of the most lavish events hosted at Washington D.C.'s historic villa, the Anderson House. There was a make-your-own flower crown booth with fresh blooms, a mime, a crepe station, miniature motorized boats for children to play with in the property's pond, a balloon artist and extravagant favors. "We had picnic baskets with custom fabric lining, gardening kits, macarons and beautiful candles," said Anne Ligeard Murat of the NYC party planning company, <a href="https://www.clafoutis-creations.com/">Clafoutis</a>, which orchestrated the six-figure affair. The guest of honor? A very special one-year-old celebrating her first birthday."The family loves Luxembourg Gardens in Paris," said Murat.Murat - whose itty-bitty clients include the kids of chef Geoffrey Zakarian, "Million Dollar Listings" star, Fredrik Eklund, MLB player, Adam Ottavino and NHL star, Bradley Peltz - says her basic kid's party package starts at around $6,000, with some bashes costing up to hundreds of thousands of dollars."Our clients wouldn't consider these parties to be over-the-top," Murat says. "It's just their lifestyle, and presentation is key," she said. Nowadays, kids' birthday celebrations can put most weddings to shame, with Instagram and celebrities inspiring a seemingly endless game of one-upmanship. Instead of gift bags filled with bubbles, Nike high-tops are doled out. Ball pits are custom $5,000 creations and sleeping bags have been replaced by bespoke slumber party tents complete with breakfast trays, "fairy lights" and "accent cushions.""People today are spending more than they were even five years ago," said Murat. "There's a desire for this kind of party." And with pizza and cake no longer cutting it, wealthy parents are leaning on professionals to turn their tots' birthdays into five-star affairs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/meeting-convention-and-event-planners.htm">job growth for event planners is expected to outpace the average job growth by 4 percent</a> between 2016 and 2026. The costs of parties are rising, too. A <a href="https://www.babycenter.com/0_celebrating-your-babys-first-birthday_1493204.bc">2017 BabyCenter survey</a> revealed that 11% of parents reported spending more than $500 for their child's first birthday. But in affluent cities like New York and Los Angeles, $500 can just be the cost of the cake - if you're lucky. <h2>The days of simple parties are over: "We have done kids parties for $350,000, but I would say the majority fall in the $50,000 range."</h2>When it came time for Rachel Pitzel to plan her daughter Harper's fifth birthday party last year, the Los Angeles resident didn't blink at shelling out thousands of dollars for the picture perfect fete. She hired elite party planner and rental service <a href="https://www.teakandlace.com/">Teak and Lace</a>, which has worked with the Kardashians, Nick Lachey and Lily Aldridge. She spent $1,000 on a party stylist to make sure the "Carrousel" theme (spelled the Disneyland way) was cohesive, and cut a check for nearly a thousand dollars on a professional photographer to document the event."I drew the line at a $500 cotton candy stand," Pitzel said of her daughter's bash, which included a huge rack of rented dress-up clothes like tutus, tiaras, bracelets, necklaces, pretend earrings and kids makeup. Pitzel says her pricey affair was entirely in line with what her friends were throwing."The days of simple parties have started waning with the rise of Instagram, Pinterest, Etsy and Amazon," said Pitzel. "Parents spare no expense for the location or food. One party we went to had a manicure truck and a grilled cheese truck, and every girl got a spa makeover complete with nails, hair and make-up, plus robes. Yhey got to make their own bag of candy to go, just like at Dylan's Candy Bar."Rachel Huntington, owner of the Los Angeles party planning company, <a href="https://www.bonjourfete.com/">Bonjour Fete</a>, says her sales have been consistently climbing since she opened her doors in 2016. <img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5e30a0885bc79c2293593b0a-1201/diy balloon rainbow installation.jpg" alt="DIY balloon rainbow installation" />Mary CostaRachel Huntington, owner of the party planning company, Bonjour Fete, constructed this balloon rainbow for a lucky one-year-old's birthday celebration."We've surpassed every goal we've set," said Huntington, whose clients include Kate Hudson and Hilary Duff. She says social media has been a driving force behind her growing business, leading parents to spend more than ever before so they can post the extravagant party photos online. "I have seen an insane amount of money poured into food stations, snow hills, entertainment, flower walls, balloon clouds and custom everything. Need an American Ninja Warrior set-up in your backyard? I got you. Need a famous chef to flip burgers on your grill? No problem. If the client wants it - we don't hold back," Huntington said. "We have done kids parties for $350,000 but I would say the majority fall in the $50,000 range."<h2>Embracing their inner child</h2>From a "Singing in the Rain" theme with custom lyric books to a "Little House on the Prairie" party with kids learning how to churn butter, Murat says throwing these kinds of gatherings allows deep-pocketed adults to revisit their childhood days. "They get so excited around cotton candy or even miniature sandwiches; it allows them to feel young again," Murat said. One of Murat's clients, NYC mom Yuliya Zhang, has been hiring Murat to plan her now five year-old son's birthdays since he was one. Zhang, 33, admits she doesn't bat an eye at spending between up to $40,000 on her son's celebrations. "What's most important for me is to love what I see and to be in a beautiful, magical, organic environment that brings a fairy tale to life," said Zhang, a stay-at-home mom.<img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5e30815324306a76682e82e5-1147/dinosaur.jpg" alt="A dinosaur entertains guests at a child's five-figure birthday party" />Paige RigogliosoNYC mom Yuliya Zhang spends five figures on her son's extravagant bashes including a "Jurassic World" party complete with archeological digs and life-like dinosaurs.Together, she and Murat have thrown her son a policeman party complete with a NYPD-costumed actor who led a mini police academy, a dress-up corner where kids could choose to be a cop or a robber, a mugshot photo booth, and a magician. Another year, the duo planned a "Jurassic World" bash with life-like dinosaurs, an actor dressed as Owen Grady - the birthday boy's favorite character from the movie - and activity tables where kids could dig for dinosaur bones."As adults, we like to go back in time and experience these happy moments again," said Zhang, "which is why we also hired a professional photographer to capture every party."<h2>Custom, custom, custom</h2>Status-quo party packages at the neighborhood play gym or at-home gatherings with a pinata and Betty Crocker cake just don't pack enough punch when every parent with an Instagram account is a micro influencer.That means throwing a party with a wow factor is of utmost importance.Murat says for one youngster's party, she had actors dress up as Ghostbusters to create slime with the kids and even parked an Ecto-1 car outside just as the guests were leaving."You can't just park an Ecto-1 in front of a building on Park Avenue, so it requires a lot of coordination," said Murat. Last April, Manhattan mom, Madelyn Mejia, went all out to make sure her five-year-old son's $12,000 knight-themed birthday party was an unforgettable affair."The cake was the most beautiful medieval castle that had been sketched and envisioned by Anne [Murat]," said Mejia. "And the party favors were beautiful ceramic unicorn trinket boxes that we had personalized by a calligrapher for each child." <img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5e3087a45bc79c04f55b6ff2-2056/castlecake.jpg" alt="CastleCake" />Arianna TettamanzMadelyn Mejia's five-year-old son's $12,000 birthday party included a custom-designed medieval castle cake.It's that craving for something unique that helped Eunice Ong of <a href="https://meshkids.co/">MESH Kids Co.</a> break into the pint-sized party scene. Ong says she creates anywhere from ten to 25 personalized ball pits per month - with each 10 foot by 20 foot space costing between $4,000 and $5,000. "Our core demographic is children five years-old and under," said Ong, who is already booked into mid-2021 and counts the Kardashians among her clients. Marie, a stay-at-home mother of two in Los Angeles, who didn't want to reveal her last name for fear of social media backlash, is using Ong's services next month. She's justified the cost with the mindset that her son will only turn three once."I'm always trying to find new and experiential ways to entertain my kids and the birthday guests," said Marie. After all, for moms like Marie, ordering a "Fudgie the Whale" Carvel cake is out of the question. Baker Sheila Volk-Weiss, who owns the Los Angeles baking company, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/peachtreeandbelle/?hl=en">Peachtree and Belle</a>, says kid birthday party cakes can go up to $700 for her three-tier confections. "They're like small wedding cakes."Her recent orders have been filled with requests for $250 volcano cakes complete with buttercream lava erupting from their cores and two cakes connected by a foot-long fondant rainbow that cost $325.And that's not where her edible masterpieces stop. "We'll often do on-theme cupcakes for the adults and personalized cookies as party favors and table decor," said Volk-Weiss, who says those treats typically tack on an extra couple hundred dollars. "I'm busier than ever because parents are feeling more and more pressure to put on photogenic parties that resonate on Instagram," said Volk-Weiss.<h2>Bring on the professionals</h2>Just don't expect the parents to be getting down and dirty with set-up.One Dallas mom, a human resources professional who asked to remain anonymous for professional reasons, said it's not uncommon for toddlers' parties in her neighborhood to have valet services, black-tie servers passing trays of sushi and a full bar service."People have staff-managed bounce houses, characters in costume, deejays, full catering, personalized candy, clean-up staff and paper invitation suites," said the Dallas mom.Even good old fashioned sleepovers are becoming fancy affairs thanks to companies like Trish Healy's <a href="https://www.wondertentparties.com/">WonderTent Parties</a>. Their "SleepOver" package starts at $450 for five guests and includes a tent, plush mattress, blankets, fairy lights, accent cushions and a breakfast tray for each kid. Celebrities like Molly Sims and Kyle Richardson have called upon the company to erect backyard installations for picturesque campouts. <img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5e30894f62fa8111a7093b64-1024/outdoor c.jpg" alt="Outdoor tent" />Leyna Noelani/@YellowheartphotographyCompanies like WonderTent erect whimsical structures for kid parties that rival most weddings.Shawna Wilson, a mother of two and founder of SBW Tennis Academy in Los Angeles said she never even gave old-school sleeping bags a thought when she planned her daughter's $2,000 slumber party."It's all about convenience. It's so much more comfortable to have a mattress and blankets and lamps and it means the kids don't have to bring anything other than themselves and the set-up is magical looking - the kids were so excited when they saw the tent," she said. Healy says it's not uncommon for parents to add on additional services like outdoor movie packages starting at $300, outdoor dining experiences that start at $300, or karaoke machines, candy stations or dress-up stations that start at $100. <img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5e3089ca24306a0236169d05-1139/sleepover.jpg" alt="SleepOver" />Leyna Noelani/@YellowheartphotographySay bye bye to the sleeping bag. Parents are shelling out thousands for WonderTent's Instagram-friendly "SleepOver" package."For the parents, it's one less stress for them knowing that we'll come in, set and style everything and then pack it all down the next day," she said.A mother of two in Los Angeles, who asked to remain anonymous for social reasons, said she's witnessed kid birthday parties that are fancier than some black-tie bar mitzvahs, including one with mermaids swimming in the pool.Not that she minds. "Do you really want to go to a party in the park or at the play gym?" she asked. <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/qantas-airways-flying-worlds-longest-flight-2019-12">What it's like to ride the world's longest flight</a></h3> <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/m9AXZzdg-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;"></iframe>

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Leaked images reveal first look of OnePlus 10 Pro’s large camera bump

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Meesho raises more than half a billion dollars in the fourth biggest funding round this year

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Apple vendors, Samsung, others line up with ₹11-lakh cr mobile phone mfg proposals: Prasad

PTI

Samsung, Foxconn and Pegatron among 16 companies to get government nod to boost mobile manufacturing in India

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It’s raining goodies from Aircel. One year free internet is the best of the lot

BI India Bureau

Here's why the iPhone isn't going to catch up to Android any time soon

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10 things you need to know before the opening bell

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Battery life crisis of smartphones prompted an entire industry to emerge to solve it

BI India Bureau

Some toddler birthday parties now cost as much as weddings. Parents are dropping hundreds of thousands - because their kids only turn 3 once.

Alisa Wolfson