Tech wrap: Samsung Galaxy F41, Google Maps, PUBG Mobile and more

We saw smartphone announcement from Samsung today and Qualcomm’s intentions of working on its own smartphone. In addition, Honor launched a couple of wearables in the country. In the non-hardware-based news, Google Maps started showing Covid-19 areas in Mumbai while it’s Assistant got the ‘Guest’ mode. Amazon, on the other hand partnered with IRCTC for railway booking. This and more in our daily tech wrap.

Samsung launches the Galaxy F41 in India, prices start from Rs 16,999

The Samsung Galaxy F41 comes with a 6.4-inch full HD+ sAMOLED Infinity U display, a massive 6,000mAh battery with 15W fast charge support and three cameras on the back. There’s a 64MP camera as well, along with Exynos 9611 processor and 64GB/128GB storage.

Google Maps starts showing Covid-19 containment zones in Mumbai

The search giant has rolled out this feature for those residing in Mumbai. This means users in Mumbai can now see Covid-19 containment zones across the city in their Google Maps app. Also mentioned is that demarcated zones will be displayed via a shaded grey area.

Google Assistant’s ‘incognito’ mode won’t save your queries

Google has announced a new feature for its Google Assistant that will keep your voice queries private and won’t save it in its database. Calling it as the ‘Guest Mode’ this new feature is optional and can be enabled at any point. This will be coming soon.

PUBG Mobile trying to enter India with Airtel’s help, but there’s still time

Just a few weeks ago India decided to ban PUBG Mobile, leaving several gamers hunting for alternatives. After garnering millions of downloads, specially in the months June, July and August, the firm did face a major loss when it lost the Indian crowd. But now it’s trying to make its way back. The firm is apparently in talks with Airtel for reviving distribution.

Honor Watch ES, Watch GS Pro, launched in India

Honor Watch ES is priced at Rs 7,499, and it will go on sale during the Great Indian Festival from October 17 onwards. Honor Watch GS Pro will go on sale during Flipkart’s Big Billion Days that’s scheduled to start on October 16. This smartwatch carries a price tag of  ₹17,999.

Amazon India partners IRCTC to offer reserved train ticket bookings

Amazon India on Wednesday said it has partnered with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to provide their customers with the facility to book reserved train tickets on its platform.

Qualcomm to reportedly launch self-branded gaming phones in partnership with Asus

Chipset giant Qualcomm is reportedly working with Asus to launch self-branded gaming phones. The first smartphone under the partnership could debut by the end of this year. According to Digitimes (via Android Authority), Qualcomm will be implementing the design as well as software optimisations for its upcoming Snapdragon 875 processor on the gaming phone.