Orbital

Latest Episodes:

Windows 11 Preview Jul 02, 2021

Show notes

Six years on from the launch of Windows 10, Microsoft has unveiled the next-generation of its flagship operating system. This time, it didn’t skip a number though — and hence, we have Windows 11.

Gadgets 360 senior reporter and Orbital producer Jagmeet Singh and video producer and Windows settings critic Shubham Raheja join host Akhil Arora to discuss what’s on offer here.

We talk about the headline feature: you can run Android apps on Windows 11, though you will need the Amazon Appstore via the Microsoft Store. It’s complicated. But at least, Microsoft is playing nice with others.

Read: Windows 11 announced

We delve into the UI and UX changes, from the glassy Windows Vista-like look to the deep integration for Microsoft Teams, its Zoom and Slack competitor. And of course, that central Start button shift — literally.

Along the way, we touch upon the (odd) hardware requirements for Windows 11, the powerful new (Xbox) gaming features, and how Windows at times gets too big and overwhelming for itself.

Read: You can now download the Windows 11 Insider Preview

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
What’s new with Windows 11? (00:53)
Centre start button (03:45)
Android apps! (06:31)
New (Vista) look (10:01)
All Windows in one (11:41)
Xbox at the heart (14:06)
Who gets the upgrade (16:14)
What’s this TPM? (18:49)
How to get Windows 11 (21:36)
Everything else (25:05)
Outro (27:36)

Battlegrounds Mobile India Jun 25, 2021

Show notes

Rechristened as Battlegrounds Mobile India, the country’s favourite battle royale title has returned — albeit in early access for now — to its largest market after a nine-month-long government-imposed ban.

Gadgets 360 deputy news editor Veer Arjun Singh and deputy video head Cyrus John — both PUBG Mobile veterans — join host Akhil Arora to discuss the new avatar of PUBG Mobile.

We talk about the lack of India-specific introductions, the problems with being India-only, the broken friend lists, and how Battlegrounds Mobile India is essentially old wine in an existing (green) bottle.

Read: Battlegrounds Mobile India first impressions

We also delve into what made PUBG Mobile such a rage in India, the early success of Battlegrounds Mobile India, and why it has (likely) triumphed over global battle-royale king Fortnite.

Lastly, we touch upon controversies new and old — and how Krafton could have handled the launch better, and why the ban (naturally) helped PUBG Mobile’s competition in India.

Read: BGMI pinged Tencent server only ‘to enable game features’, Krafton says

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
It’s the same (Chinese) game (00:21)
Why PUBG Mobile took off (04:54)
Bans are great for some (07:53)
5 million already (09:26)
Missing friends (12:04)
India-only (13:48)
The controversies (15:17)
No serious attempt (16:56)
The China servers (20:37)
How gamers feel (22:29)
Where’s Fortnite? (25:15)
Outro (29:35)

E3 2021: Starfield, Forza Horizon 5, Guardians of the Galaxy and more Jun 18, 2021

Show notes

The all-virtual E3 2021 — video gaming’s biggest annual extravaganza — had a lot to offer, with presentations from the likes of Xbox, Ubisoft, Nintendo, and Square Enix.

Gadgets 360 chief sub-editor Shayak Majumder and deputy video head Cyrus John — both gaming nerds — join host Akhil Arora to discuss all things E3 2021.

We talk about our favourite games: the “Skyrim in space” Starfield, the Mexico open-world racer Forza Horizon 5, and Guardians of the Galaxy that only lets you play as Star-Lord. Guardians of the Galaxy is out October 26, Forza Horizon 5 follows on November 9, but Starfield isn’t due until November 2022.

Read: Everything Xbox announced at E3 2021

Beyond that, we dive into Master Chief’s belated entry into the free-to-play space with Halo: Infinite (late 2021), why we are excited about the first-person Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (2022) and co-op open-world Contraband, and get nostalgic over Age of Empires IV (October 28).

Along the way, we touch upon highly-anticipated sequels and follow-ups, be it the cloudy The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2, the turn-based Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, alt-history tongue-in-cheek The Outer Worlds 2, and co-op alien corridor shooter Rainbow Six Extraction.

Read: Everything Ubisoft announced at E3 2021

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Guardians of the Galaxy (00:28)
Starfield (06:00)
Forza Horizon 5 (10:25)
Halo: Infinite (14:20)
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (17:38)
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope (22:03)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2 (26:51)
Contraband (30:51)
Rainbow Six Extraction (34:04)
Age of Empires IV (35:51)
Outro (38:54)

WWDC21: iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS Monterey, watchOS 8 and more Jun 11, 2021

Show notes

iOS 15, iPadOS 15, macOS Monterey, watchOS 8, and iCloud+ — they are all official. Apple unveiled the next iteration of software updates for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch at its developer conference earlier this week, alongside a range of new and improved apps and services.

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo join host Akhil Arora to discuss all things WWDC 2021.

Read: iOS 15 with new FaceTime, iMessage, sharing, Focus, and privacy features announced

We talk about why iOS 15 isn’t as major an upgrade as previous builds. It’s focused on the core and system apps, with a new notifications summary, new customisable Focus modes, Live Text à la Google Lens, and spatial audio and SharePlay in FaceTime.

Read: macOS Monterey 12 with Universal Control, Shortcuts announced

All of that is available in iPadOS 15 as well, which further benefits from a widgets system akin to iOS, and Universal Control with macOS Monterey that allows for drag and drop across Apple systems.

Read: iCloud+ with new privacy features, unlimited HomeKit video cameras support announced

And oh, then there’s iCloud+ that offers wide-ranging privacy — system-wide VPN and email address masking — at existing iCloud prices. Lastly, we touch upon the rest, including new India-specific features, watchOS 8 with Mindfulness app and improved Wallet, and Siri on third-party devices (with a catch).

Read: watchOS 8 with Mindfulness app, sleep respiratory rate tracking, Portrait watch face announced

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
iOS 15 (00:23)
New Focus and notifications (02:12)
Offline Siri! (07:25)
Live Text (08:37)
AR directions (11:14)
Better FaceTime (13:05)
Memories improved (16:42)
iCloud+ (18:12)
iPadOS 15 (21:15)
Universal Control with macOS Monterey (24:22)
Third-party Siri (27:07)
watchOS 8 (28:30)
What’s new for India? (31:20)
Things we missed (32:02)
Outro (34:31)

Cryptocurrency 101: Bitcoin, India, Elon Musk, investing, and the future Jun 04, 2021

Show notes

Cryptocurrency prices have skyrocketed in the past year, with the likes of Bitcoin and Ethereum growing several times over, despite the global COVID-19 pandemic. Naturally, it’s turning a lot of heads.

WazirX founder and CEO Nischal Shetty and WeekendInvesting founder Alok Jain join host Akhil Arora to discuss the world of cryptocurrency.

We touch upon the regulatory landscape in India, from the back and forth between the RBI and the Supreme Court, to the lack of a clear legal definition for cryptocurrency that creates hurdles for crypto exchanges such as WazirX.

Read: Why does Bitcoin mining consume ‘insane’ energy?

We talk about what investors should know before jumping in, given the volatility in Bitcoin prices, the influence of Elon Musk’s actions, and the market’s immaturity in comparison to gold, equity, and real estate.

And we sign off by delving into its future, including the wide-reaching potential of blockchain technology that allows for the creation of a decentralised world. For now though, the industry is busy with NFTs. Oh boy.

Read: What is blockchain? And what can it offer us?

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
What is crypto? (00:37)
The grey zone (03:13)
Investor FAQ (08:43)
(Global) concerns (18:51)
A decentralised world (24:39)
The future (28:58)
Outro (35:23)

The All Television Spectacular May 28, 2021

Show notes

The likes of Xiaomi and OnePlus have forever changed expectations for TV buyers, with 4K resolution, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos available at prices never seen before. How is this changing the television market in India?

Gadgets 360 senior reviewer and in-house TV expert Ali Pardiwala joins host Akhil Arora to discuss that — and a lot more.

We talk about how these smartphone manufacturers have achieved stunning specs, why the likes of Sony cannot be beaten at their game, and why consumers shouldn’t be too focused on the pixels. Well, sort of.

We also offer some buying advice, as we touch upon ideal screen sizes for viewing distances, the various LED display technologies out there, and why no one needs 8K resolution.

Read: The best TVs you can buy

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Invasion of the Phone Makers (00:24)
Hey, it’s me, compromise! (02:28)
It’s all in the panel? (04:03)
Why phones > TV screens (09:38)
Ideal screen sizes (12:33)
LED, QLED, OLED, and mini-LED (15:48)
Why Sony is still king (20:47)
All the specs, at a budget (23:52)
Ok, where’s the content? (25:51)
8K is too much (29:51)
Don’t be a videophile (sort of) (33:02)
Outro (36:25)

Google I/O: Android 12 and more / Army of the Dead Review May 21, 2021

Show notes

Android 12 with Material You design and new privacy features, Wear OS merging with Samsung’s Tizen and powered by Fitbit, and more — this is the Google I/O 2021 episode.

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and senior reviewer Sheldon Pinto join host Akhil Arora to discuss the highlights from Google’s annual developer conference that was virtual and free to everyone this year.

We talk about how manufacturers might deal with the new Android design language, how serious the ads-driven Google is about data privacy, and why we are excited about the new Android TV remote app.

Read: Everything announced at Google I/O 2021

Later, we jump over to Army of the Dead, Zack Snyder’s zombie heist thriller movie out now on Netflix.

Gadgets 360 chief sub-editor Shayak Majumder and senior reviewer Ali Pardiwala — both zombie nerds — join Akhil to discuss what they liked and what they didn’t.

We touch upon Dave Bautista’s acting skills (or the lack of them), the film’s many failures (and how it wastes Huma Qureshi), and the different kinds of zombies (including Alpha zombies and a zombie tiger).

Read: Army of the Dead Review

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Android 12 (00:22)
Material You (03:16)
Privacy and profits (09:11)
Wear OS, meet Tizen (13:48)
Everything else (23:14)
Army of the Dead (27:29)
The many problems (33:20)
A bigger franchise (39:57)
Huma Qureshi?! (42:34)
Alpha zombies (44:13)
More Bautista (49:18)
Outro (53:38)

The Best Phone Under Rs. 30,000 May 14, 2021

Show notes

What is the best phone under Rs. 30,000 in India right now?

Gadgets 360 deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to discuss what buyers should expect from India’s hottest new smartphone segment.

We talk about why manufacturers are targeting the sub-Rs. 30,000 band, what the jump offers to budget-conscious buyers, and what features you can’t get at this price. It’s more than you might expect, thanks to some market realities.

And naturally, we answer the question you have come for. We also look at upcoming phones that might further shake up the Rs. 30,000 segment.

Read: The Best Phones Under Rs. 30,000

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Heating up in Rs. 30,000 (00:54)
Going up from budget (02:53)
The contenders (06:02)
CPU vs battery (13:36)
The newcomers (15:10)
Best Rs. 30,000 phone (19:44)
Upcoming ones (23:31)
What you can’t get here (26:17)
Outro (29:45)

Mi 11 Ultra Review May 07, 2021

Show notes

Is Xiaomi’s new Mi 11 Ultra the best phone you can buy at Rs. 70,000?

Gadgets 360 deputy reviews editor Roydon Cerejo and reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to discuss Mi 11 Ultra — the most expensive phone Xiaomi has ever brought to India.

Xiaomi is going after a new crowd with the Mi 11 Ultra, those who have an eye on OnePlus 9 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. But crucially, will Xiaomi deliver Android updates for the next few years?

We also talk about the Mi 11 Ultra’s three cameras (and that camera bump), and the MIUI software that has always held Xiaomi back in the premium segment.

Read: Mi 11 Ultra Review

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
Xiaomi’s most expensive phone (00:41)
Hello, premium crowd (04:31)
Mi 11 Ultra cameras (08:22)
Highest DxOMark rating (12:54)
Beating competitors at price (15:05)
That camera bump! (18:31)
Mi 11 Ultra software (22:06)
New (ultra) flagship killer? (27:01)
Outro (33:43)

Mi 11X Review / The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Review Apr 30, 2021

Show notes

Is Xiaomi's new Mi 11X the best phone under Rs. 35,000 in India?

Gadgets 360 reviews editor Jamshed Avari and reviewer Aditya Shenoy join host Akhil Arora to discuss Mi 11X — the cheapest offering in Xiaomi's Mi 11 series that also includes Mi 11X Pro and Mi 11 Ultra. We touch upon the cameras, its competitors, what sets it apart, and Xiaomi's penchant for ads and bloatware.

Read: Mi 11X Review

Later, we jump over to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the Marvel Cinematic Universe series that ended its six-episode run last Friday on Disney+ and Disney+ Hotstar.

Gadgets 360 chief sub-editor Shayak Majumder and deputy news editor Veer Arjun Singh — both Marvel fans — join Akhil to talk about that new Captain America suit, how it compares to WandaVision, and its narrative failings with Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan).

We also dive into the Marvel series' motley of villains: Baron Helmut Zemo (Daniel Brühl), Power Broker/ Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp), US Agent/ John Walker (Wyatt Russell), the Flag Smashers and their leader Karli Morgenthau (Erin Kellyman), and Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus).

Read: The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Review

Follow Gadgets 360 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Write to us at podcast@gadgets360.com

Chapters

Intro (00:00)
The Mi 11 range—some rebranded (00:24)
What's unique about Mi 11X? (02:35)
Mi 11X UI (07:05)
Where's the compromise? (09:50)
Cameras on the Mi 11X (15:00)
Mi 11X competitors (19:17)
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (23:50)
vs WandaVision, 6-hour movie (25:40)
Poor Winter Soldier and Zemo (30:58)
John Walker is US Agent (33:40)
From Agent 13 to Power Broker (38:08)
Valentina! Julia Louis-Dreyfus! (42:32)
New Captain America suit (45:52)
Captain America and White Wolf (51:44)
Flag Smashers smashed (56:26)
Outro (01:01:44)

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