Author: Abhinav Mishra

  • Watch the First Trailer for Hitman Movie, Agent 47

    Watch the First Trailer for Hitman Movie, Agent 47

    Wildly popular gaming franchise Hitman: Agent 47 released a new movie trailer. The upcoming movie reboot is all set to star Homeland’s ruthless CIA operative Rupert Friend as the next Agent 47.

    From the looks of it, it has all the hallmarks of Agent 47 from the original Hitman game – the familiar black suit and red tie, dual Beretta shooting sequences, along with familiar clunky hitman style dialogues.

    The new trailer also features Star Trek’s Zacahary Quinto (Spock) along with Game of Thrones’ Ciarán Hinds (Mance Rayder). There’s no connection between this new trailer and the last Hitman movie. Agent 47, was also supposed to star Hollywood heartthrob Paul Walker before his untimely death.

    Meanwhile, a new video game installment of the series is also currently in development for PC and consoles at IO Interactive, though very few details are yet known.

    The movie is expected to be released sometime in August, let’s hope it’s worth it.

  • Assassin’s Creed: Rogue PC Out on 10th March, PC Requirements Revealed

    Assassin’s Creed: Rogue PC Out on 10th March, PC Requirements Revealed

    Ubisoft has officially confirmed the launch of Assassin’s Creed: Rogue PC version for the 10th of March. While, those of you who order the game via Uplay also get one of the seven other Assassin’s Creed title as a bonus. Digital Pre-orders also come bundled with two bonus DLC packs – The Siege of Fort de Sable and The Explorer, though we are not sure whether these will be available on retail pre-orders in India.

    Meanwhile, Ubisoft also announced that the PC version of Rogue will feature eye tracking technology, where SteelSeries Sentry owners can control the in-game camera simply with their head motion.

    For those you, interested in the PC version, you should check out the minimum PC requirements below:

    OS: Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8/8.1 (64bit versions only)
    CPU: Intel Core2Quad Q6600 @ 2.4 GHz or AMD Athlon II X4 620 @ 2.6 GHzH
    RAM: 2 GB
    Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTS450 or AMD Radeon HD5670 (1024MB VRAM) or Intel HD4600
    DirectX: DirectX June 2010 Redistributable
    Sound: DirectX Compatible Sound Card with latest driver
    Hard drive: 11.4 GB

    Supported video cards at launch:

    • Nvidia Geforce GTS 450 or better, Geforce 500, 600, 700, 900 series
    • AMD Radeon HD 5670 or better, Radeon HD 6000, 7000, R7, R9 series
    • Intel HD4600, HD5200

    Note: Laptop versions of these cards may work but are not officially supported.

  • HP Launches New Economical Desktop PCs in India

    HP Launches New Economical Desktop PCs in India

    HP has officially launched its new HP 110 and HP 120 desktops PCs for the Indian market. HP says these affordable desktop PCs are designed specially for everyday use for both small businesses and home users.

    The HP 120 is powered by a 4th gen 64-bit Intel Core i3 Processor, with a speed clocked at 3.6Ghz. It runs on Microsoft Windows 8.1 and users can customize the system with additional memory and graphics card. It comes bundled with 2GB of SDRAM which can be upgraded to 4GB. The HP 120 desktop features a 500GB HDD and comes with an included keyboard and a mouse.

    Meanwhile, the HP 110 desktop PC is powered by a 64-bit Intel Quad-Core processor bundled with 2GB of DDRL3 RAM along with Intel HD graphics. In terms of storage, the HP 110 comes with a 500GB HDD and comes bundled with a mouse and a keyboard.

    The HP 110 Desktop is now available in the market at a starting price of Rs. 23,990 (including taxes). It can also be purchased via the HP online store. However, the exact price of the HP 120 is not yet known though it should start at more or less the same price as the HP 110.

    In addition, HP is also offering a 3 year on-site warranty option for Rs.1,499.

  • Assassin’s Creed Rogue to Get Eye-Control Motion Soon

    Assassin’s Creed Rogue to Get Eye-Control Motion Soon

    The next installment of the wildly popular Assassins Creed franchise could get more wilder – as you’ll be able to control the assassin with your own eyes. Put simply, where you look, the assassin looks (in this case Shay Patrick Cormac). Now your view and the in-game character’s view will be the same.

    Ubisoft has announced that the upcoming PC version (no consoles) of Assassin’s Creed Rogue will be compatible with eye-tracking tech, making it the first AAA title to do so. The game will support the Steel Series Sentry eye-tracking device – designed specially for gaming.

    Ubisoft has collaborated with Tobii for this venture. The eye tracking technology will primarily be used to control the game’s camera. The game will still be played using a keyboard and mouse, though when you look somewhere on the screen, the game’s character will do the same. While if you look away from the screen, it will pause automatically.

    [quote text_size=”small” author=”Corneliu Vasiliu ” author_title=”Producer at Ubisoft’s Kiev Studio”]

    Eye tracking is such a natural way to interact with a game and creates tons of potential opportunities for gameplay immersion.

    [/quote]

    Asassin’s Creed Rogue was launched last year for consoles, though the PC version is slated for a release sometime this year.

    Meanwhile, Tobii says its working on a range of other projects from indies to big studios, so we can expect more titles in the future who’ll milk this technology.

    [quote text_size=”small” author=”Oscar Werner.” author_title=”President of Tobii”]

    This is only the beginning of eye-tracking in gaming.

    [/quote]

    You can check out other games that have used the technology at Tobii Arcade. Do check out the video below showing off the eye tracking integration:

  • Swatch To Take its Plunge into the Smartwatch Market

    Swatch To Take its Plunge into the Smartwatch Market

    Back in September last year, the world’s biggest watchmaker Swatch announced its plans of venturing into the booming smartwatch segment, and now new reports suggest the Swiss giant is all set to unveil its wearable device in the next 2-3 months. CEO Nick Hayek says the new smartwatch won’t have to be charged, will feature communication and mobile payment functions, applications and will be compatible with Windows and Android.

    The largest Swiss watch manufacturer also mentioned it wouldn’t rule out the possibility of joining hands with consumer-electronics companies to produce smartwatches. This smart wearable will be called the ‘Swatch Touch’, which uses a low-power microchip to ensure low power consumption, allowing for always-on display.

    The company seems pretty confident about the new venture, claiming that all big tech firms want to work with them. Meanwhile, Hayek says that the Swiss manufacturer can achieve a lot on its own.  Apart from all standard features like activity tracking, steps, sleep and calories count, Hayek also told the reporters that the new line would feature a few “Swatchy” things, alongside Bluetooth technology.

    We’ll certainly be keeping a close eye on this one!

  • Intex Unveils Aqua Power HD, Budget Smartphone With a 4000mAh Battery

    Intex Unveils Aqua Power HD, Budget Smartphone With a 4000mAh Battery

    It seems smartphones sporting beefier battery units is the new mantra for success, as Intex has brought out its new smartphone; the Intex Aqua Power HD which packs a massive 4000mAh battery. The company claims that the phone’s battery will provide a talk time of up to 20 hours along with a standby time of 500 hours.

    Other specs on the phone include a 5-inch HD display, 2GB of RAM along with dual-SIM support. In terms of optics, it comes with a 13MP rear snapper along with a 5MP front cam. Under the hood, the Aqua Power HD is fuelled by a 1.4GHz octa-core chipset, and includes 16GB of internal storage expandable via microSD card slot, 3G compatibility and Android 4.4.2. The company also promises a Lollipop update sometime in the future, but hasn’t specified any time line.

    The smartphone has been priced at Rs. 9,444 and is expected to go on sale shortly. The Intex Aqua Power HD will also be available in White, Black, Blue and Grey colour options.

  • Report : Google is Prepping its Own App-Based Cab Service

    Report : Google is Prepping its Own App-Based Cab Service

    You can always count on Google to come up with something new and useful. According to reports, the search engine giant might be prepping its own app-based taxi service; going head on against Uber. David Drummond, Google’s Chief Legal Officer and a member of Uber’s board, has revealed Google’s plans of developing an app-based taxi service.

    GPS-based cabs have a tracking module installed in them which gives real-time location information to the central computers. This helps the companies keep a play by play track of the movements of their vehicles. When a cab request arrives at the call center, it gets forwarded to the cabs in the area. The driver who can make the trip, replies to the request and the tracking begins till the end of your journey. The trackers are part of the tamper proof meters which can give you a printout of the details of the journey and fare for your records.

    Recently, app-based services have managed to gain massive popularity, which can be credited to their easy accessibility. Popular services in India include Uber and Ola.  This move from Google may jeopardize Uber’s reliance on Google, as the cab service’s smartphone apps for drivers and customers heavily relies on Google Maps.

  • Microsoft Launches 500GB Xbox 360 with CoD, Other Variants Face Price Cuts

    Microsoft Launches 500GB Xbox 360 with CoD, Other Variants Face Price Cuts

    A little too late or right on time, Microsoft has announced the launch of its Xbox 360 500 GB bundle for the Indian market priced at Rs.19,990. The bundle includes two popular Call of Duty titles – Black Ops and Ghosts. The bundle also includes a one month Xbox Live Gold membership.

    In addition, prices of other variants of the Xbox 360 have been slashed. The 4GB standalone version is now priced at Rs. 12,990, which gets a price cut of Rs 3,000. The 250GB Xbox 360 with Kinect now gets a price tag of Rs 29,990, while its earlier price tag was Rs. 31,990. The 4GB Xbox with Kinect price has been slashed to Rs 21,990 from Rs. 26,990.

    Xbox Variant New Price Old Price
    4GB standalone Xbox 360 Rs.12,990 Rs. 15,990
    250GB Xbox 360 with Kinect Rs.29,990 Rs.31,990
    4GB xBOX 360 with Kinect Rs. 21,990 Rs.26,990

    Meanwhile in November, Microsoft announced a new exclusive Xbox One Assassin’s Creed bundle with Kinect featuring Assassin’s Creed Unity.

  • Lollipop-Based CyanogenMod Update to Roll Out to Global OnePlus One Devices Soon

    Lollipop-Based CyanogenMod Update to Roll Out to Global OnePlus One Devices Soon

    Despite all the discrepancies between Cyanogen and OnePlus, CyanogenMod 12S is in its final stages of testing and ready to roll out for OnePlus Global devices. This implies that most of the phones shipped with CyanogenMod 11 S are still going to get updates in the future. Though an exact date has not been announced yet, since multiple parties are involved.

    This is quite contrary to OnePlus’ recent announcement that they will be developing their own exclusive software called Oxygen OS. With Cyanogen no longer the partner of choice for OnePlus, there will still be support for all phones that shipped with CyanogenMod 11S.

    As most of us are already aware, OnePlus and Cyanogen had a tiff of sorts after Micromax bagged an exclusive deal for CyanogenMod in India. OnePlus One devices purchased outside of India, will get to keep their OS, while devices manufactured specifically for the Indian market will at some point get an update to OxygenOS. Now that is a bit of a bummer for OnePlus One owners in India.

  • iOS 8.1.3 Update Now Available, Demands Less Storage Space

    iOS 8.1.3 Update Now Available, Demands Less Storage Space

    Finally the Cupertino giant rolls out the iOS 8.1.3, a new update for its mobile devices that fixes a variety of bugs, and doesn’t even rob users of a major chunk of their phone’s storage, as the update is just about 247 MB. Users have been cribbing about free space with the launch of the iOS 8, as they had issues updating because of the massive size of the download. Other major fixes include zapping a bug that prevented app results from popping up in Spotlight search.

    In addition, it also fixes a bug that prevented users from using their Apple ID password for use with Messages and FaceTime. It also fixes a bug that did not allow multitasking gestures from working properly. Also added is a configuration option for education standardized testing via Apple’s devices.

    These issues might have resolved some of the more common users concerns about iOS 8, especially the amount of storage space the update demanded. To update the device, go to the Settings menu, select General and choose software update. For more information, you can head over to Apple support.

    Do let us know your thoughts about the new update.

  • Check Out Vivaldi, a New Browser Aimed at Power Users

    Check Out Vivaldi, a New Browser Aimed at Power Users

    Former CEO and Co-Founder of Opera, Jon von Tetzchner has announced the first preview of ‘Vivaldi’, a new Chromium based browser built primarily for power users. The new browser is still in its Beta phase, and is available for Windows, Mac and Linux.

    It features utilities like Quick Commands, the familiar Speed dial that shows your favourite tabs on the new tabs page along with gesture-based mouse controls. In addition, it gets some new nifty tricks like organising multiple tabs into one stack for easy and clutter free browsing. Another new feature allows users to take notes right in the browser along with taking screenshots.

    vivaldi_browser_teaser_page

    The new browser takes a lot of inspiration from Opera, and von Tetzchner duly acknowledges that.  Vivaldi uses the Chromium (Blink) rendering engine found in Chrome and is built entirely using the latest web technologies including React, Node.js along with a number of node modules.

    As of now, only the technical preview for the browser is available. Though in the coming months, it is likely to add sync, mail support, improved performance and extensions. In addition, the browser will be shaped by the community; hence it will be driven by user demands.

    You can download a technical preview of the Vivaldi browser here. We tried it out for a while, and it seems to be a rather snappy browser that pays homage to Opera. The browser’s interface subtly changes colors as you navigate from one site to another to match the dominant color on the page. It’s certainly got a potential for power users, with nifty features like ‘quick commands’ that helps you search or run commands, identical to OS X’s Spotlight.

  • TRAI’s Android App Allows Users to Provide Instant Feedback on Operators

    TRAI’s Android App Allows Users to Provide Instant Feedback on Operators

    Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is perhaps tightening the noose on service providers in India, as mobile phone subscribers from now on can give instant feedback to TRAI about the quality of services provided by operators via an Android based app. Operators will be penalised if they fail to meet minimum service quality benchmarks set up by the regulatory authority.

    [quote text_size=”small” author=”Sudhi Gupta” author_title=”TRAI Secretary”]

    Considering the growing penetration of Internet and smartphones, Trai has introduced a Web-based application as well as an Android-based app for assessing customer perception of cellular services.

    [/quote]

    Under current regulations, TRAI can levy a penalty of upto Rs.50,000 on mobile service providers in an event when they fail to comply to a service parameter, the amount is doubled if they repeat the same shortcomings again.

    Earlier today, TRAI also issued draft regulations to facilitate full mobile number portability that is set to start from May 3.

  • Xiaomi Invites Beta Testers to Try Out Lollipop-Based MIUI 6

    Xiaomi Invites Beta Testers to Try Out Lollipop-Based MIUI 6

    According to a new post on the MIUI forum, Xiaomi has started the beta testing phase of the Lollipop-based MIUI 6. Hugo Barra (CEO) spoke about the company’s plans for Lollipop, making it clear that the beta testing will begin soon.

    According to the post on the MIUI forum, Mi2/S/A users will be given a chance to try out the beta ROM soon, only if they meet a certain set of requirements. Users need to have ‘English forums credits over 50’ and they should be willing to report bugs to the forum. A total of 50 testers will be shortlisted by 30th of January 2015, hence only a handful of applicants would get access to try out the beta.

    But why would Xiaomi choose an older device to run the beta? One possibility could be the fact that if the Mi2 runs without any major glitches, then getting the MIUI 6 on newer devices should be easier. But that’s just speculation.

    Meanwhile, the company says it working hard to strike the right balance between MIUI skin and Google’s new material design elements in Android 5.0. For those of you interested in the beta, you can find more information on the MIUI forum.

  • TRAI to Allow Nationwide Mobile Number Portability Soon

    TRAI to Allow Nationwide Mobile Number Portability Soon

    Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued draft regulations to implement full nationwide mobile number portability (MNP) which starts from 3rd May. This would allow users to change their mobile service provider in any location within the country, while retaining their existing mobile number.

    Currently, mobile number portability allows users to change their service provider within a specific telecom circle, mostly limited to states, which will change with the implementation of new regulations. On November 3 2014, the Department of Telecom issued an amendment to the current MNP License Agreement and asked telecom service providers to implement full MNP within a period of six months.

    [quote text_size=”small” author=”TRAI”]

    In view of implementation of full MNP some changes will be required in the MNP Regulations 2009 (as amended). Accordingly, draft amendment to the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulation, 2009, has been prepared.

    [/quote]

    With the new amendment, TRAI wants to introduce a clause to safeguard interest of post paid mobile users. As these users are deprived of services while switching to a new network even after clearing all their earlier dues. The regulator has a fixed timeline about dues cleared by the subscriber to ensure consumers get continuity of service.

  • The Five Most Blatant iPhone Knock-Offs

    The Five Most Blatant iPhone Knock-Offs

    Whether we like or not, a few things that Apple has a knack of doing other rivals simply do not. Especially when it comes to design where its attention to detail is just impeccable. There is no denying there are some gorgeous looking Android phones in the market, but none of them can match up to the benchmarks set by Apple.

    Needless to mention, iPhones are one of the best smartphones ever manufactured. Every iPhone launch leaves us in awe that creates a strong desire to own an iPhone. But most of us are not willing to spend our entire hard earned savings to own this beauty.

    Hence, a lot of manufacturers have cashed in on this void by creating iPhone rip-offs. Well, it’s not a bad thing to take inspiration from one of the best phones in the world, of course, we’re not sure if Apple feels that way. Here are some of the recent iPhone knock-offs:

    1. Lenovo Sisely S90

    Lenovo launched an iPhone 6 look-alike in a relatively sneaky way dubbed as the Lenovo Sisely S90. Barring similar looks, Lenovo took it to another level as its promotional images were also uncannily similar to that of the iPhone 6. The 5 inch phone has the exact same dimensions as the iPhone 6 with a thickness of 6.9mm and weight of 129g.

    2. Samsung Galaxy Alpha

    There’s something deceptively familiar about Samsung’s Galaxy Alpha. It’s the company’s first attempt at using metal in its smartphones that annoyingly looks like an iPhone, including the 4.7 inch screen size and the rounded edges. So much for innovation and design.

    img6

     

    3. Micromax Canvas Win 121

    The Canvas 4 Plus will make headlines of its own. However, it may be the iPhone 6 plus’ bendgate that influences this one. It has a similar slim form factor, rounded edges and was also bendable.

    In our unboxing of the phone, just because the phone looks so similar to an iPhone, we lightly attempted a bend test and it bent out of shape which led to some awkward moments in our test lab.

    3. Huawei Honor 6

    The Honor 6 also has striking similarities in terms of its design and form factor. It has similar looking bezels above and on the screen while it also comes in deceptively similar colours to the iPhone. The main difference being the lack of a home button.

    siphone rip-offs

    4. Huawei Ascend P7

    The Ascend P7 is probably the only phone that manages to give that uber iPhone feel. It is reminiscent of the iPhone 5s, with the same flat rounded rectangular form factor. The sides and top of the phone are also garnered with premium anodized aluminium band just like the iPhone.

    Apart from looks, the Ascend P7 has also taken a few obvious cues from iOS. The P7 features no app grid. Instead, it has an iOS style setup where icons for every app are spread across multiple home screens.

    It’s probabaly the best manifestation of an iPhone, though we’re not sure what Apple would think of that.

    4. Lava Iris X1

    Lava Iris X1 has the looks of an iPhone 4S with the same button and camera layouts along with slightly rounded edges. Hats off to Lava, this is a proper iPhone 4S rip-off but obviously you won’t be getting that Apple experience.

    5. Xiaomi Mi4

    The Chinese manufacturer has heavily borrowed features from Apple and has come out with a relatively worthy clone. Barring the phone’s back panel, everything about the phone from the stainless steel band covering the edges along with the glass covering the front resembles the iPhone.

    Xiaomi-Mi4
    Apart from the above-mentioned iPhone look-alikes, there are a couple of other devices which are awfully similar to the iPhone. So, if it’s the design of the iPhone that invigorates you, then maybe some of these options may be worth your money. But obviously it’s not going to get you that authentic Apple experience (no, even installing a launcher won’t help). Alas, what the Cupertino giant says is apparently true — “If you don’t have an iPhone, well you don’t have an iPhone”.

    What’s your favourite iPhone Knock-Off, do let us know in the comments section below.

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