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Can Alibaba and Baidu convince Chinese Travelers to ditch Google Maps?

It is a well-known fact that the Chinese do not use Google anymore. So is the case with all Google services, and Google Maps is no exception. Due to the Great Firewall in China, Google Maps is no fortunate. But China has alternative apps named Baidu Maps and Alibaba’s AMAP (popularly known as Autonavi or Gaode Maps).

AMAP and Baidu are in the technological race with Google Maps worldwide. AMAP is developing its platform and looks to attract frequent tourists across the globe in and out of China.’

Overseas Chinese users

Although China has blocked Google Maps, it cannot restrict Chinese people while they’re abroad. Chinese people who use China SIM cards still do not get Google Maps. But, those who have overseas SIM or overseas Wi-Fi can use G-Maps at ease.

Baidu is offering International Maps for the last four years but hasn’t been in close competition with G-Maps. There are many forums on different Chinese websites that suggest the usage of G-Maps. One user said: “Why to use Baidu and AMAP when you’re already abroad?”

These comments hint at the technical difference between the three apps.

Google Maps, Baidu Maps, and AMAP current standings

Google Maps are more detailed, with geographical and topographical information. On the other hand, Baidu Maps offer only street information with details of surroundings like markets, restaurants, and café. It doesn’t appeal to users much as per reviews.

Google Maps allow you to check all types of transportation between 2 places. Baidu has a partnership with Ctrip to offer car hiring services via Maps.

On the other hand, Alibaba’s AMAP is developing a similar service for MAPS to enter the Chinese market. AMAP has recently partnered with Here Technologies (data mapping company) to include global maps and traffic details across the globe. Here Technology is already providing these services to Baidu.

Head to Head comparison

Google’s Map connects with 4,248,409 sites while only 59,386 sites connect with Baidu. Head to Head, 1 billion people use Google Maps, while only 348 million people use Baidu.

Baidu has to work a lot on its technology and user platform to make it better.

Conclusion

Baidu users are majorly Chinese but not much outside. Thus, there is still a silver lining here for AMAP. AMAP is developing its platform with lots of inclusions that will benefit Chinese users. For example, connective with car and taxi riding apps, food ordering apps, and linguistic options.

“The world is shrinking as more and more people turn to the internet and super apps such as AMAP to navigate not just within their countries, but also when they travel,” said StanimiraKoleva, Senior Vice president and general manager for APAC at Here Technologies. (Sources: www.abacusnews.com)

AMAP must come up with better geographical and topographic information to fill the gap and compete with Google Maps. AMAP will have Alipay, an Alibaba online payment app. It is already in use in China, and many travelers are using the same.

It will be interesting to see how AMAP attracts travelers worldwide and compete with Google Maps.

February 8, 2020
5G Smartphone To Be Announced Globally By Realme At MWC

Last year itself, 5G was said to have already become a strong reality. However, not a lot of 5G devices made the rounds. The 5G tech was still blossoming, which meant that most of the first releases were high-end models that most of us could not afford. Since the first-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon X50 modem was not released until December, the modem and carrier support were not very mature either. With the latest Snapdragon X55 modem launched in December 2020 seems to be the year of 5G smartphone. In developed markets, many companies are working to release their 5G products.

MWC 2020

A vast majority of the 5G smartphones is likely to be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 and the Snapdragon 765/G. They were released just last month. One of the first 5G smartphones to be launched in 2020 by Realme. The company has released the Realme X50 5G in China. Following the release, Realme plans to have a global release on February 24, 2020, at MWC 2020.

Realme’s event description states, “Realme will host the first global launch event in 2020. In the 5G era, Realme will be dedicated to being the popularizer of cutting-edge technology, promoting the popularity of 5G networks worldwide and bringing new 5G phones with power and style to global users.” We hope this means that they are planning to launch at least one 5G-enabled device during the event.

Realme X50 5G

If the Realme X50 5G does go on for a global release, it could possibly be one of the most affordable 5G models in the market. The phone is designed targeting a mid-range market featuring Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G SoC, 6.57-inch FHD+ IPS LCD with 120Hz refresh rate, 6GB/8GB/12GB of RAM with 128GB/256GB storage, 64MP Samsung ISOCELL GW1 primary camera, and a 4,200mAh battery. The camera unit also includes an 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera, a 12MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, a 2MP macro camera, 16MP + 8MP – regular and wide-angle – punch-hole front cameras.

Realme 5G Smartphone

On the first glance, the specs of this phone seem pretty similar to Redmi K30 5G. This model has only been released in China as of now. We will know more at MWC 2020. Although the products that the different companies are planning to launch has not yet been revealed, we are sure that the focus is going to be on 5G tech and 5G-based devices.

5G in 2020

With 5G tech taking off in 2020, Realme plans to be at the front. The company is planning to release its first 5G smartphone at the MWC 2020 scheduled next month. It will also be among the first 5G devices to be released this year. It looks as if Realme X50 5G could be launched in India soon. Besides this model, Realme could also be releasing more smartphones. However, it is not very likely that they will be 5G-enabled models. Maybe following the global released of the X50 5G, we can expect more 5G devices from the Chinese manufacturer.

February 8, 2020
YouTube TV For PlayStation 4 Is Available Right Now

Now, YouTube TV is now available on PlayStation 4. This is one of the first instances where a third-party live TV subscription service is being launched on Sony’s game console. After the release of its own PlayStation Vue service, the company has kept its rivals off PlayStation 4. This includes the likes of YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Hulu’s live TV. Since PlayStation Vue is coming to an end this month, Sony is planning to introduce other services on its platform. According to a statement by Sony, “Unfortunately, the highly competitive pay TV industry, with expensive content and network deals, has been slower to change than we expected. Because of this, we have decided to remain focused on our core gaming business.”

YouTube TV For PlayStation 4

The company didn’t give the users any time to get used to the news. Over the weekend, Sony announced that the app would be now available in PS4 soon. A couple of days later, the app launched and was made available to all PS4 users. With PS Vue getting ready for its shut down, the app comes at the right time. While YouTube TV cannot compete with the likes of Netflix and Hulu, at least not at the moment, it is gaining numbers rapidly.

YouTube TV on PS4

If you have a PS4, all you need to do in order to use the app is to visit the PlayStation Store. Now, download the app from there. New customers can enjoy a free trial period, post which the service would cost them about $50 every month. If you have already used YouTube TV on other devices, you will find that the interface and experience of the app are pretty much the same. Many believe that Sling TV and other streaming TV apps will soon be featured on Sony PS4 as well.

YouTube TV

It is an excellent way of enjoying cable TV without having to experience all the inconveniences that come with it. PS4 is now picking up compatibility with Google’s service, ensuring that those who have PlayStation 4 will now be able to stream YouTube TV and get their cable content. However, this comes after Xbox One received the same access nearly two years ago.

YouTube TV App

You may know that Google has already launched its free YouTube TV app on the PlayStation Store. Now, you can easily download and install the app on your PlayStation 4. There is no denying that the app is a bit heavy at 142 MB. Again, although the app is free, you will have to pay a subscription fee for the app in order to be able to make use of it. With the app, users will be able to enjoy full access. You will even be able to view your cloud DVR recordings. You will be using the controller as the input device. This might take time to get used to, but it is still better than having to switch to Roku or Chromecast. While the action may not have been speedy, it is nonetheless here now. PlayStation 4 owners can now enjoy YouTube TV from their consoles.

February 8, 2020
Nokia 400 4G Feature Phone To Come With Google’s GAFP OS

In 2017, Nokia returned to the smartphone space with Android One smartphones with solid specs. Even when the company was unable to license smartphones (until 2017), it never lost faith in its feature phones. After HMD Global took ownership of Nokia’s smartphone segment, the company has made efforts to push better feature phones. The Classic Nokia 3310 4G was one of the first feature phones to launch and was instantly a hit. Now, they have come up with the Nokia 400 4G.

Nokia 400 4G Feature Phone

The company has been in the dark for a while. However, it is now gearing up to launch a new feature phone dubbed ‘Nokia 400 4G.’ Besides the high-speed 4G connectivity, we expect to see it come with upgraded hardware and Google’s new GAFP OS – which is a software tailor-made for feature phones. The smartphone has a TA-1208 model number, and recently got an approval from the Wi-Fi Alliance, and also Bluetooth Certifications. The documents reveal some key details about the phone.

It will feature Bluetooth 4.2, and support LTE. It will also feature a Unisoc processor, and the SC234X component will facilitate fast Wi-Fi. What’s worth noting is that the 400 4G will be the first handset to come with Google’s GAFP OS out of the box. GAFP OS is a special version of Android made explicitly for feature phones. Some more details of the handset will inevitably surface in the coming days. All the certifications hint at an imminent launch, and we’re just waiting for confirmation from the company.

February 6, 2020
Huawei Boosts China US Patents

China’s Huawei Technologies was one of the top 10 recipients of U.S. patents in 2019, filings with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show. The increase in patents received by Chinese companies is a sign that Chinese companies are aggressively pursuing the U.S.’ lead in global technology. In 2019, the telecom company obtained 2,418 patents. Those patents, coupled with the 2,177 new patents issued to display maker BOE Technology, propelled China into becoming the fourth-biggest recipient of U.S. patents. China remains behind the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, but ahead of Germany for the first time, says Fairview Research’s IFI Claims Patent Services.

Larry Cady, a senior analyst with IFI, says that China is growing rapidly, but the country is still way behind the U.S. in terms of patents. IBM retains its title of the top recipient of patents for the 27th year in a row, with a record 9,262 patents. That’s far ahead of Samsung Electronics and Canon. In 2019, the patent office issued 333,530 patents – an all-time high with a 15% jump after a decline in 2018.

Huawei Patents

Cady also said the increase likely reflects efforts to release a bottleneck over what can qualify for a patent. For instance, IBM’s top areas include cloud computing, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and security. IBM’s patents reflect the work of more than 8,500 inventors from across 45 states and 54 countries.

China’s U.S. Patents: Who’s Ahead Of Huawei

Overall, American and Asian technology companies dominate the list of top recipients. Behind IBM, Samsung, and Canon are Microsoft, Intel, LG Electronics, and Apple. Ford Motor broke into the top 10 last year, and was just ahead of Amazon.com and then Huawei. While their numbers remained small, the fastest-growing patent classifications came from hybrid plants, 3-D printing, the gene-splicing technology known as CRISPR, and cancer therapies.

CRISPR

Most patents issued to Huawei relate to things like high-frequency transmission, which is needed for the next generation of wireless technology, 5G. President Donald Trump’s administration moved to restrict U.S. companies from doing business with Huawei in May. The administration asserts Huawei makes possible spy tools, which is an allegation the company denies.

Largest Holdings Belong To Samsung

While IBM may consistently be the top recipient of patents, its holdings aren’t the largest. That title belongs to South Korea’s Samsung, with Japan’s Canon holding the title of the second-largest corporate owner of patents. The discrepancy exists because IBM doesn’t keep all of its patents. Jason McGee, CTO for IBM Cloud Platform, in a statement reveals that IBM reviews and prunes its patent assets regularly. The company gets rid of the patents that it doesn’t deem strategic.

IBM also announced that it has joined the License on Transfer (LOT) Network, co-founded by Red Hat. IBM bought the Red Hat for $34 billion in 2019. Group members pledge that all network members get a license for any patent that ends up with a patent assertion entity. A patent assertion entity refers to companies that don’t make products but extract royalties from those who do instead. The group protects automakers and retailers that are entering the technology arena.

February 6, 2020
Motorola Razr 2020 To Have A 5G-Enabled Variant

The Motorola Razr 2020 will get a 5G-enabled variant, but it seems like this variant will be exclusively available in China only. The phone is reportedly going to be on display at the China Industrial Design Exhibition in Wuhan, China, at the end of March. It is unlikely that the variant will be available in other regions, but things could change further down the road. As of right now, the Motorola Razr uses the Snapdragon 710 chipset, which is a mid-range chipset. However, the chipset does not support 5G, which means Motorola will need to pop in a new chipset.

Motorola Razr 2020

Motorola Razr 5G

For the Motorola Razr 5G, the company would probably feature a Snapdragon 765G, one of the newer chipsets that Qualcomm revealed in December. It’s still a mid-range Snapdragon 700-series chipset, but it boasts more power than it’s predecessor, and most importantly, it supports 5G. There is no confirmation about the chipset the 5G version of the Razr will use. It could come with either one of the three processors that support 5G – the Snapdragon 765G, the Samsung Exynos 980, or the MediaTek Dimensity 1000L.

Since the variant is likely to launch in China exclusively, we may see it come with the Samsung or the MediaTek chipset since they are more prevalent in that region. The original Motorola Razr foldable comes with a 2510mAh battery, making battery life a huge concern for users. Fans are also hoping that the 5G variant will come with a bigger battery.

February 5, 2020
Latest Huawei P40 Renders Reveal Dual Selfie Camera Hole Punch

Back in December 2019, fans got a vague look at what the Huawei P40 might look like, but since the render was dark, most of the phone remained hidden. New renders reveal the P40’s design in all it’s glory. The front of the device features a simple layout, and the screen has almost no bezels. Huawei dropped the notch and has gone the camera cutout route, which is something that people who like symmetrical designs won’t like.

Huawei P40

The cutout has a striking resemblance to the camera cutout of the Galaxy S10 5G. The 5G version of the Samsung flagship came with a ToF sensor between the two selfie lenses, which made the hole punch significantly wider than the S10+’s hole punch. There is no official information as to if Huawei has squeezed advanced face unlock tech into the cutout, making it wider.

The rear of the device looks familiar. The cameras are housed in a square-shaped camera bump like the Pixel 4. Huawei kept all three sensors in a vertical strip, and the cameras line up with the Huawei logo further below. There is no new information about the P40 Pro at this time, but based on previous Pro models, you can expect to find another camera on the back. We can’t tell if this is an official render of the phone or just a CAD mockup, but either way, this gives us our best look at the P40 yet. The P40 series is expected to launch in March.

February 5, 2020
OnePlus 8Pro Reportedly Supports Wireless Charging

Reputed tipster Max J recently shared an image of a smartphone charging on a mat wirelessly. The picture was captioned ‘charge like a pro.’ Interestingly, the phone in the image exactly matches the leaked renders of the OnePlus 8Pro. The punch-hole design, the placement of the volume and power buttons, and the signature alert slider are all there, which suggests that the upcoming OnePlus phone will support wireless charging technology.

If the image is accurate, the OnePlus 8Pro will be the first OnePlus smartphone to come with wireless charging support. OnePlus has always avoided using wireless charging technology since the charging speed is inferior when compared to wired charging, and wireless charging also has overheating issues. The Shenzhen-based tech giant seems to have mastered the technology and ironed out all the concerns and is finally gearing up to enable wireless charging on its phones, starting with the OnePlus 8 Pro.

OnePlus 8 Pro

Wireless charging support

With the wireless charging support, the flagship killer phone series will become more competitive against high-end $1,000 handsets. According to tip-offs and leaked renders, the OnePlus 8Pro will feature a quad-lens rear camera, a built-in MEMC chip for content upscaling, a 120Hz 2K AMOLED screen, and an in-display fingerprint sensor.

The phone will swank a flagship-tier Snapdragon 865 processor, and will presumably feature 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.0 storage. If the company sticks to its bi-annual release cycle, we shall see the OnePlus 8 series launch sometime around May-June.

February 4, 2020
Unlocked Galaxy S20 5G Models Offered by Samsung

Reportedly, Samsung will offer unlocked Galaxy S20 5G variants – which is a stark difference from the Galaxy Note 10+ 5G and the Galaxy S10+ 5G phones that the company offered last year. The company may only do this in Europe since the report only mentions Europe. The phones may come unlocked in the US, too, but with all four major carriers deploying 5G differently, it could make things tougher for Samsung.

Many customers prefer getting an unlocked smartphone, rather than a carrier-locked one. An unlocked phone gives them the freedom to jump between carriers and switch out SIMs if they’re travelling. The unlocked models won’t be limited to Samsung.com, either. According to the report, many retailers across Europe have already listed the Galaxy S20 5G models. The device is yet to launch and will be announced in a few weeks. An unlocked phone also doesn’t come with the carrier’s bloatware installed.

Galaxy S20 5G

The US May Not Get Unlocked Galaxy S20 5G Models

As mentioned earlier, carriers in the US are doing 5G differently. Some carriers are doing mmWave, while others are first doing low-band, mid-band, and high-band carrier aggregation. The lack of standards will make it difficult for Samsung to offer an unlocked 5G smartphone that can support SIMs from all four US carriers. However, it’s not impossible to do.

Fans will have to wait for the announcement in February to find out for sure if the Galaxy S20 will have an unlocked version or not.

February 4, 2020
Second-Gen Galaxy Fold To Come With S Pen

Samsung is gearing up to launch a successor to the Galaxy Fold in the second quarter of 2020, and it looks like it will come with an S Pen. Max Weinbach revealed the information with another leak. He has been in the know lately and has leaked a lot of details about the Galaxy S20 series, and now the Galaxy Fold. The specs of the phone come from other reports, but the Second-Gen Galaxy Fold is likely to feature an 8-inch display, a 108-megapixel camera, and a Snapdragon 865. It will also come with 5G support.

The Second-Gen Galaxy Fold

Pairing the large screen and excellent specifications of this device with an S Pen feels like a great idea. The S Pen is great for large-display devices like the Galaxy Fold and other tablets because it opens up new avenues for the user to interact with the device. While it can be labelled off as a stylus, the S Pen is much more than that. It can help users take notes, draw, and can also work as a remote.

The Galaxy Fold was much more expensive than most smartphones on the market since the tech inside was all new. Phones didn’t use hinges or come with a second/folding display. You can expect the second-gen Galaxy Fold to be more expensive. The high-end chipset, 5G support, and the unique design of the phone will add to the price. We may see it teased at the Unpacked event in February.

February 4, 2020