Longest partial lunar eclipse in 580 years to occur on 19 Nov; all you need to know

Longest partial lunar eclipse in 580 years to occur on 19 Nov; all you need to know

blognet   Tuesday, November 16, 2021   Comment  

This year, the longest partial lunar eclipse in 580 years will take place overnight on 18-19 November, as per the National Aeronautics and Science Administration (NASA). The eclipse will be visible in all parts of the US and parts of Australia, East Asia and South America as well.

The eclipse will last for about 3 hours 28 minutes and 23 seconds, according to the agency. If we count the time of the penumbral eclipse, meaning when the Moon is in the Earth's outer shadow, the eclipse will last for over six hours.

In India, the eclipse will be visible from some areas of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh for a short while. The eclipse in India will last from 12:48 pm to 4:17 pm.

The partial lunar eclipse will peak around 1:30 pm in the country, when 97 percent of the Moon would be in the Earth’s shadow.
As the excitement among space enthusiasts and astronomers grows for the partial lunar eclipse, here is everything you need to know about lunar eclipses:

What is a lunar eclipse?

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth, Sun and Moon are in such an alignment that the Earth blocks the sun’s rays from reaching the moon. This leads to the moon being ‘eclipsed’ by the Earth’s shadow.

There are three types of lunar eclipses- partial, total and penumbral eclipses. A partial eclipse means that the Earth’s shadow obscures the moon partly, while in a total lunar eclipse the celestial body is completely covered by the Earth. A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon is in the Earth’s faint outer shadow or penumbra.

Can lunar eclipses occur twice in the same month?

A lunar eclipse can occur twice in a particular month, while in rare cases, three eclipses can also take place. A total of 228 lunar eclipses will take place in the 21st century, as per NASA.

When will the last lunar eclipse occur in 2021?

The last lunar eclipse will occur on 19 November this year, with the moon being partially obscured by the Earth’s shadow.

When will the next lunar eclipse take place?

The next lunar eclipse is scheduled to take place on 16 May next year.

source https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/longest-partial-lunar-eclipse-in-580-years-to-occur-on-19-nov-all-you-need-to-know-10140541.html

McLaren refutes news of Audi buyout in official statement, terms report of sale ‘wholly inaccurate’

McLaren refutes news of Audi buyout in official statement, terms report of sale ‘wholly inaccurate’

blognet   Monday, November 15, 2021   Comment  

Following a media report that claimed German carmaker Audi had bought British auto marque McLaren, the McLaren Group put out a statement refuting the news, clarifying that no sale has taken place and that the report is incorrect. On 15 November, British trade magazine Autocar UK cited a source it said was close to the dealing, claiming Audi had bought the McLaren Group outright in a bid to make a full-fledged entry into the world of Formula 1 racing. Shortly after the report was published, McLaren released a statement terming the news ‘wholly inaccurate’.

“The McLaren Group is aware of a news media report stating it has been sold to Audi. This is wholly inaccurate, and McLaren is seeking to have the story removed”, read the official statement.

While Autocar UK did modify its original story to include McLaren’s statement, its original tweet claiming Audi had bought the McLaren Group still remains live on Twitter, and has over 3,200 retweets and 5,300 likes at the time of this piece being filed.

While it rubbished the news of the Audi buyout, McLaren said it does have discussions and collaborations ongoing with ‘relevant partners and suppliers, including other carmakers’, but did not name any of them.

“There has been no change in the ownership structure of the McLaren Group”, the statement concluded.

In response to the developments, an Audi spokesperson told Reuters, “As part of our strategic considerations, we are constantly looking at various cooperation ideas.”

Recent rumours have suggested the McLaren Group had attracted interest from Audi as well as BMW, with the former keen to make an entry into the pinnacle of four-wheeled motor racing. Acquiring McLaren would have given Audi control of its second supercar brand alongside Lamborghini, and could have potentially resulted in technology transfer and powertrain sharing.

The Volkswagen Group is understood to be keen on making a return to F1, and is said to be pushing group brands Porsche and Audi to find a way into the championship.

McLaren has been dealing with financial pressures of late, despite a refinancing of up to 500 million pounds last year. Mike Flewitt – who had been CEO of McLaren Automotive for the last eight years – also quit his role in October.

McLaren is also understood to be gearing up for its India entry, having appointed Infinity Cars as its exclusive importer for our market earlier this year.

source https://www.firstpost.com/tech/auto-tech/mclaren-refutes-news-of-audi-buyout-in-official-statement-terms-report-of-sale-wholly-inaccurate-10140241.html

Tesla reportedly delivered cars to customers with USB ports missing due to global chip shortage

Tesla reportedly delivered cars to customers with USB ports missing due to global chip shortage

blognet   Monday, November 15, 2021   Comment  

Elon Musk's Tesla has reportedly been shipping out a few of its electric cars without Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports. According to Electrek, some Tesla customers noticed that the newly-purchased Model 3s and Model Ys delivered to them are missing USB ports.

After receiving complaints about the issue, Tesla has reportedly told customers the absence of ports is due to the global chip shortage. Moreover, some buyers also alleged Tesla did not even notify them about the lack of these USB ports. For some owners, similar complaints on social media were the reason they got to know about the issue with their vehicle.

The issue came to light on 11 November, and the problem seems limited to the Model 3 and Model Y, as per the publication. It was through social media website Reddit that buyers spoke about their concerns about the missing ports. Many buyers said the USB-C ports on the centre console and for rear seat passengers were missing, while others claimed their EV’s wireless phone charging system also wasn’t working, as per Electrek.

Soon after the complaint, many buyers managed to get in touch with Tesla, following which the company asserted the ports will be made available this December. Furthermore, customers can make an appointment to get them installed in their car.

This is not the first time vehicles have been shipped without certain parts by automakers due to the global chip shortage. Recently, BMW dropped touchscreen functionality from some models due to the semiconductor crisis. Meanwhile, both BMW and Tesla have removed passenger seat lumbar support functions from select models.

source https://www.firstpost.com/tech/auto-tech/tesla-reportedly-delivered-cars-to-customers-with-usb-ports-missing-due-to-global-chip-shortage-10137921.html

All-new Suzuki S-Cross revealed in leaked images ahead of world premiere on 25 November

All-new Suzuki S-Cross revealed in leaked images ahead of world premiere on 25 November

blognet   Sunday, November 14, 2021   Comment  

The third-generation Suzuki S-Cross has leaked through a set of photos that show the new SUV parked at the firm's stockyard. The new S-Cross is set to make its global debut later this month on 25 November.

The images show that the new Suzuki S-Cross has shed its crossover stance for a more traditional SUV look. There is a high bonnet line now as well as a generally boxier shape to make the S-Cross look more purposeful than before. The face is dominated by an octagonal grille somewhat similar to the one on the Maruti Suzuki XL6, with a thick chrome band and large Suzuki badging cutting across. Also distinctive are large swept-back LED headlamps and an air dam with a silver skid plate.

In profile, the 2022 Suzuki S-Cross carries a conservative look with simple body panels and an upswept glasshouse. There's a significant amount of body cladding and what seem like 17-inch dual-tone alloys. The rear is more distinctive with its clear, two-part taillamps, prominent lines on the boot lid and more cladding.

The interiors of the Suzuki S-Cross haven't been seen yet but expect significant changes here too. A larger infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can be expected, as well as some form of connected car features. International spec models are also expected to get a suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Other notable features are likely to include a sunroof, climate control, auto headlights and wipers, among other things.

The new S-Cross should continue to be based on an updated version of the Suzuki Global C platform and carry over engines already seen elsewhere in the Suzuki line-up. The 1.5-litre K15B petrol should be the base engine option in certain markets with its 105 hp and 138 Nm and pairing with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Also expected is a 1.4-litre BoosterJet turbo-petrol with around 130 hp and 235 Nm with the same automatic and a six-speed manual. A more advanced form of Suzuki's mild-hybrid tech may make an appearance as well. The turbo-petrol engine option could also be offered with Suzuki's AllGrip all-wheel-drive system.

There is no word yet on the new Suzuki S-Cross' India launch. With a new mid-sized SUV co-developed with Toyota in the works, Maruti Suzuki might see challenges in fitting two similarly sized cars into the market. If the new S-Cross does come to India, expect it to be launched here by late 2022 priced between Rs 9 and 14 lakh.

Image source: suzukigarage via Instagram

source https://www.firstpost.com/tech/auto-tech/all-new-suzuki-s-cross-revealed-in-leaked-images-ahead-of-world-premiere-on-25-november-10137661.html

Instagram introduces text-to-speech function, voice effects for Reels: Here’s how you can use them

Instagram introduces text-to-speech function, voice effects for Reels: Here’s how you can use them

blognet   Sunday, November 14, 2021   Comment  

Meta-owned Instagram is bringing two new features to Reels, the app’s TikTok-like short video format. The two features coming to Reels include Text-to-Speech and Voice Effects that offer creators more options while making Reels. The Text to Speech feature lets users use an artificial voice to read any text they add instead of using their voice in the video. Voice Effects, on the other hand, can be used to modify the audio and voiceover on Instagram Reels. These new features were announced by Instagram in a blog post on its Community page on 11 November.

The features come as the company’s latest effort to give users more creative options to explore while making Reels. The new features are being rolled out to users on both iOS and Android.

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A post shared by Instagram’s @Creators (@creators)

The Text-to-Speech option can be accessed via the text tool in the Reels camera. It enables an auto-generated voice to read the text one has added to Reels.

As mentioned above, this feature will allow users to use an artificial voice to the videos instead of their own.

Here’s how users can access the text-to-speech feature:
1. Open the Reels Camera in the Instagram app
2. Record video or upload from gallery
3. Tap the Text tool
4. Tap on the text bubble and select “Text to Speech" from the three-dot dropdown menu
5. Select the voice you’d like to use
6. Post

The Voice Effect feature, on the other hand, allows users to modify the audio or voiceover in their Reels.

Currently, Instagram offers five voice effect options - announcer, helium, giant, robot, and vocalist to make funny videos with different voices.

In order to use the new feature, users need to record a reel, and tap the Music Note to open the audio mixer. Then, users need to go to the Effects menu and select a Voice Effect to modify their reel or voiceover.

source https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/instagram-introduces-text-to-speech-function-voice-effects-for-reels-heres-how-you-can-use-them-10137381.html

Best phones under Rs 20,000 (Nov 2021): iQOO Z3 5G, Realme 8s 5G to Redmi Note 10 Pro Max

Best phones under Rs 20,000 (Nov 2021): iQOO Z3 5G, Realme 8s 5G to Redmi Note 10 Pro Max

blognet   Sunday, November 14, 2021   Comment  

The competition in the sub-Rs 20,000 segment remains stiff, which is good for the consumer, but choosing the right phone from a multitude of options can get confusing. That’s where we come in to shortlist the best of the lot and tell you why you should be buying a particular smartphone. As always, you can expect more than decent processing power, good cameras, high refresh rate displays and more in this budget. A couple of good 5G-compliant phones are also available, so let’s start with those two.

Best phones to buy under Rs 20,000 in India

iQOO Z3 5G

The iQOO Z3 from Vivo’s sub-brand is arguably the best 5G handset in this budget. It has an impressive set of specifications and features with most of the bases covered. It is powered by Qualcomm’s recent midrange Snapdragon 768 SoC, along with 6 GB RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. The Z3 has a 6.58-inch Full HD+ LCD screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate and HDR10 compliance; it is sharp and smooth. A 16 MP selfie camera is located in a drop-notch at the top of the screen.

Photography is handled by three cameras at the back starting with a 64 MP primary camera, 8 MP ultrawide shooter and a 2 MP macro camera. The iQOO Z3 5G runs Android 11 with FunTouch 11 UI on top. The company promises two major Android updates and three years of security updates for this phone, which is great to see in this segment. Battery capacity stands at 4,400 mAh, which is good enough to keep the phone running for well over a day of moderate use. The company bundles a 55 W fast charger to recharge it in double quick time.

iQOO Z3 5G price in India: Rs 19,990 for 6 GB RAM/128 GB storage

Realme 8s 5G

The Realme 8s 5G is another good option if you are looking for an affordable 5G phone. It is powered by a Mediatek Dimensity 810 SoC, and again, you get the 6 GB RAM and 128 GB internal storage variant in this budget. It has a 5,000 mAh battery that lasts for a day and a half of moderate use, and supports 33 W fast charging. The company does bundle a fast charger in the package.

You get three cameras at the back consisting of a 64 MP primary camera, 2 MP macro camera and a 2 MP depth sensor. You also get a 16 MP selfie camera located in a tiny punch-hole at the top of the screen. The Realme 8s 5G has a 6.5-inch Full HD+ display that can get as high as 600 nits bright. It also has a 90 Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling in compatible apps. The phone runs Android 11 with Realme UI 2.0 on top.

Realme Narzo 8s 5G price in India: Rs 17,999 for 6 GB RAM/128 GB storage

Redmi Note 10 Pro/Pro Max

The Redmi Note 10 Pro and Note 10 Pro Max remain two of the best all-round options in this budget. They are almost identical phones except for the main camera – the Pro has a 64 MP primary camera, while the Max flaunts a 108 MP shooter. The rest of the features are pretty much the same. Each of the primary cameras is accompanied by an 8 MP ultra-wide camera, 5 MP macro camera and a 2MP depth sensor. Both have a 16 MP front camera to handle selfies and video calls. Camera performance is impressive for the segment for both phones, with the Note 10 Pro Max understandably doing slightly better.

The phones sport large 6.67-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED displays with a rated peak brightness of 1200 nits and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection against scratches. The screens are HDR10-compliant and have a 120 Hz refresh rate: a rare combination of Full HD AMOLED display and high refresh rate in this budget. These Redmi phones are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 732G SoC, and you get 6 GB RAM and 128 GB internal storage that can be expanded further with a microSD card. Both phones have 5,020 mAh batteries that last over a day and a half of moderate use, with a 33 W fast charger included in the bundle. The phones run Android 11 with MIUI 12.

Redmi Note 10 Pro price in India: Rs 17,999 for 6 GB RAM/128 GB storage
Redmi Note 10 Pro Max price in India: Rs 19,999 for 6 GB RAM/128 GB storage

Poco X3 Pro

Poco’s X3 Pro retains its position on this list courtesy of its powerful processor. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 SoC, which is almost flagship-grade. It is accompanied by 6 GB RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. Thus, you have ample processing power for any task you may perform on a phone, including gaming at reasonably high settings. This phone, too, has a 6.67-inch Full HD+ display with a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling in compatible apps, but you get an LCD screen instead of AMOLED. The screen is protected against scratches by a layer of Gorilla Glass 6.

The Poco X3 Pro has quad cameras at the back consisting of a 48 MP primary camera, 8 MP ultra-wide shooter, 2 MP macro camera and a 2 MP depth sensor. A small punch-hole at the top of the screen hosts a 20 MP camera for selfies and video calls. Camera quality is good enough for the segment. Its 5,160 mAh battery easily lasts over a day and a half of moderate use. The bundled 33 W fast charger helps juice it up quickly. The phone runs Android 11 with MIUI 12 on top.

Poco X3 Pro price in India: Rs 18,999 for 6 GB RAM/128 GB storage

Motorola G60/G40

The Motorola G60 is a perfect option for those who like large-screen phones or stock Android UI, or both. And that’s not all – this phone, too, has a 108 MP camera at the back, along with an 8 MP ultrawide camera and a 2 MP depth sensor. You get a huge 6.8-inch Full HD+ LCD display with HDR10 compliance and a 120 Hz refresh rate. A tiny punch-hole at the top of the screen hosts a 32 MP front camera that will have selfie enthusiasts interested.

The Moto G60 is powered by a Snapdragon 732G chip and is accompanied by 6 GB RAM and 128 GB internal (expandable) storage. Battery backup is quite solid with a 6,000 mAh battery keeping the phone powered for around two days of moderate use. It also supports 20 W fast charging with QuickCharge 4. Last but not the least, stock Android user interface; if you are fond of it, you should strongly consider this phone. The G60 runs Android 11 out of the box.

Just like the Redmi Note 10 Pro siblings, Motorola has a G40 model with similar specification as the G60 but with a 64 MP primary camera and a 16 MP selfie camera. The rest of the features are the same. If you have no issues with fewer megapixels, you can save a good 2000 bucks by opting for the G40 over the G60.

Motorola G60 price in India: Rs 18,499 for 6 GB RAM/128 GB storage
Motorola G40 price in India: Rs 16,499 for 6 GB RAM/128 GB storage

source https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/best-phones-under-rs-20000-nov-2021-iqoo-z3-5g-realme-8s-5g-to-redmi-note-10-pro-max-10137181.html