Author: AdityaT

Xperia Devices ICS Android 4.0.4 Update starts rolling out in India for S, P and Sola, Multitasking and new Interface
Sony has started pushing the Android 4.0.4 update to the Xperia Line in India today. The Update went live in the morning and we have already updated the Xperia S, So, we should be ready with a kick hands on Video Soon. In the mean time see what Sony has to say about their new update.

Some new Android 4 features:
- Lock screen with improved functionality
- Resizable widgets (improved personalization)
- Improved control of your mobile data consumption
- Recent Apps button for clear overview of your applications
The new apps including the “WALKMAN”, “Album” and “Movies” applications will come standard with the update.
- The “WALKMAN” application blends the best of signature Sony audio technology with social features; to discover the music your friends like and share personal favorites. Facebook integration gives you a visual way to interact with content – accessing album art, artist images and information, directly from Gracenote®
- The “Album” application brings new intuitive ways to sort and browse high quality photos and videos in blazing speed, as well as providing instant viewing, commenting and sharing of photos on Facebook and other online albums, leveraging the great camera capabilities of Xperia S
- The “Movies” application streamlines the playback and viewing of movies in high quality audio and video, whilst using intelligent database search to grab movie posters and information for a richer experience
[toggle_box title=”Sony Xperia S Blog” width=”Width of toggle box”]

Today, we bring you some exciting news! As planned, we’re now starting our software rollout for Xperia S including, Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 upgrade and new unique media applications.

First off, we’re excited to introduce a completely new way to experience your media – your music, images, videos, movies and films – with our new “WALKMAN”, “Album” and “Movies” applications:
- The “WALKMAN” application blends the best of signature Sony audio technology with social features; to discover the music your friends like and share personal favorites. Facebook integration gives you a visual way to interact with content – accessing album art, artist images and information, directly from Gracenote®
- The “Album” application brings new intuitive ways to sort and browse high quality photos and videos in blazing speed, as well as providing instant viewing, commenting and sharing of photos on Facebook and other online albums, leveraging the great camera capabilities of Xperia S
- The “Movies” application streamlines the playback and viewing of movies in high quality audio and video, whilst using intelligent database search to grab movie posters and information for a richer experience
And now for the software upgrade to Android version 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich– some of the cool features you can look forward to are:
- Lock screen with improved functionality
- Resizable widgets (improved personalization)
- Improved control of your mobile data consumption
- Recent Apps button for clear overview of your applications
Be sure to check out our video above for a look at some of this new functionality!

The update will be directly accessible in your phone over mobile networks and WiFi, but also with the option of upgrading using a computer – either with our web-based Xperia Update, PC Companion or Bridge for Mac.

If you’d like or need help on installing the software, we’ve pulled together a step-by-step run through video on our Xperia support YouTube channel.

All Xperia S users will get a notification when the upgrade is ready, but direct availability in the phone may vary across different carriers.

It’s also worth noting that the software package required for download is around 200MB, so you might want to consider using WiFi, if directly upgrading from your Xperia S.

The rollout will continue over the next few weeks* and as usual, we will continue to keep you up-to-date with our progress, handling as much of your feedback along the way as possible.

Just as before, you’ll also be able to see the released software kits (customized software specific to your operator) on our support community; http://talk.sonymobile.com – please continue to check in if yours is not yet listed, as it’ll be updated when new kits become available.

I’ve enjoyed getting to grips with my Xperia S over the past few weeks and I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to taste this sweet software treat

[/toggle_box]

[Sony Blogs]
June 28, 2012
Vodafone India offers new international roaming pack

Telecom service Vodafone India has launched an international roaming package under which subscribers can avail of 60 percent discount on services including voice and data.

These packs will be available till Sep 30. The offer is activated on a minimal one-time rental fee of Rs.1,499 valid for 30 days, the rental for which will be charged in the customer’s bill.

[quote]Vodafone subscribers can now avail international roaming services at 60 percent discount rate for voice, data and SMS in one single pack. This discount offer is applicable across 40 countries on specific partner networks across the globe[/quote]

[quote]”This latest offering addresses the latent needs of customers travelling to multiple countries with a single pack on one number and one-time rental, thus making international roaming a worry-free experience,”[/quote]- Sanjoy Mukerji, chief commercial officer, Vodafone India.

June 27, 2012
Apple Brings iTunes to Hong Kong, Singapore and 10 others in Asia, India left Out!

Apple has finally started to branch out into what is a major chunk of their earning region. Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam are among the dozen new countries where Apple has just launched their iTunes store for music and movies. Other countries include Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand. If you are asking then the answer is no, India was not included.

The company has left out India from the mix, possibly in comparison to the number of account holders. Hopefully, they can roll out the store in the coming months.

[Apple]

June 27, 2012
Google Nexus Tablet ready to be sold US $ 199 or Rs 11,000

Google’s long rumored Nexus tablet has been rendered and now has a price, $199 to be precise. Specs of this upcoming tablet are expected to be a 7-inch, quad-core Tegra 3 slate with a front 1.2-megapixel camera, NFC, 8GB to 16GB of storage and a 1280 x 800 IPS-based LCD.

Google’s I/O conference should reveal more information about this elusive device, especially wen it is finally showcased.

June 26, 2012
HTC to Launch Siri Like Assistant : HTC to not Launch Siri Like Assistant

Several reports came to light when images of supposed Siri like voice assistant from the Taiwanese manufacturer came into being. The image shows a very Siri like interface on the HTC One X. Recently, LG introduced Quick Voice after Samsung announced the S-Voice feature with the Galaxy S III. All these voice commands driven personal virtual assistant services are set to compete with the Apple Siri.

Speculations of HTC-branded voice recognition software were triggered after the company put a strange image on their official Twitter and Facebook pages. HTC has apparently taken a hit at the rival companies, which are extensively promoting their voice-recognition applications. Apple initiated the war in the voice control segment with Siri, which is due to launch for iPad tablets and remaining countries, including India, very soon, along with iOS 6.

Interestingly the Google version of Siri Substitute which was slated for late 2012 release might be announced with Android Jelly Bean at the Google I/O this week.

June 26, 2012
Google Wallet Slip reveals Android 4.1 as Jelly Bean Moniker

When the Android Jelly Bean name came out, it was rumored to be given to Android build 5.0 and beyond. But a recent slip on the Google Wallet, while someone was purchasing the Galaxy Nexus reveals that in-fact the Jelly Bean Moniker will go to Android 4.1.

This information might get confirmed at the Google I/O next week. However the slip up has been corrected and does not show on the checkout page anymore.

[quote]While the Galaxy Nexus is still available through Google Play, it no longer makes mention of Android 4.1. A shot of the Galaxy Nexus sporting a new pink and green wallpaper and what looks like a new search box still shows up (as seen above) on Google Play when the Galaxy Nexus is in a user’s shopping cart.Google declined to comment on the Google Play mishap, or on the Jelly Bean nickname. One bit of detail not disclosed on Google Play or by Google is when the next iteration of Android will arrive. A good time for such a launch would, of course, be Google I/O, the company’s massive developer conference taking place June 27-29 in San Francisco.[/quote]

June 22, 2012
LG launches ‘Quick Voice’ on its phones in Korea, watch out Siri S-Voice

After Apple and Samsung transformed the Voice features on their flagship products, LG must’ve felt left behind. So enter ‘Quick Voice’ for its Android phones (time for more lawsuits). Just announced in Korea and rolling out soon for various members of the Optimus family like the Vu and Optimus 3D Max and L7, it brings natural voice recognition to commonly used functions like searching, setting up appointments or pulling up videos on YouTube.

[LG Korea]

June 21, 2012
RIM set to save US $ 1 Billion, will Lay Of 6000 + employees

The Waterloo Record reports that RIM is all set to lay off unto or more than 6000 of its staff in an effort to save US $ 1 Billion in expenses, as a part of their cost cutting drive. It’s believed that between 2,000 and 6,000 employees could be let go as the troubled company attempts to save $1 billion by the end of the fiscal year.

According to reports the manufacturing team has been hit the hardest with hundreds of people already been laid of in the past 24 hours.

[The Waterloo Record]

June 21, 2012
Google+ adds YouTube Party App

Ever been to a party where you start showing friends your favorite YouTube videos? Well YouTube and Google+ think you have. If you are in a Google+ Hangout and as long as everyone has the web app running, they can share individual videos or whole playlists that run in sync. Voice chat, flips to a push-to-talk requirement to prevent friends from talking over your favorite clip or creating a fish market of the situation.

Everyone can add videos in the Hangout through a search tool in the app, or remove the videos you don’t like. All your friends in the Hangout can drag and drop videos to sort the order in the playlist, or skip forward or backward to play the next one.

If you like a video that’s playing, you can share the video with your Google+ circles at any time. Since great playlists are works of art, you can also save the playlist that you and your friends created to your YouTube account as public or private to enjoy later.

June 15, 2012
Google Chrome Browser for Retina Macs shown off

Now that Apple has already released their new Retina Display MacBooks, the biggest question remains if the non-retina apps will look as good on the laptops. Google has already started working on a Chrome browser for Retina MacBooks, and it looks pretty nice. In a blog post the team showed off the image above with a comparison on what the high res edition will look like compared to its current counterpart based on “early results.” Users on the Canary channel should see the upgrades first, with more rolling out over the next few weeks and eventually reaching all as they go along.

[Google Chrome Blog] [VIA]

June 14, 2012
Harman Kardon Releases new iPhone friendly Headphones: AE, BT, CL and NI(PR)
Harman Kardon has just released a whole new range of headphones that include five options: two sound-isolating in-ear models tailored specifically for iPhone use and three on-ear and over-ear styles – including a wireless Bluetooth® and noise-cancelling model.

The in-ear model NI ($99.95) (Rs. 5570)
- 9mm drivers
- Rectangular black housing – shaped like the back of an iPhone
- A three-button remote with a built-in microphone
- Three sizes of silicone sleeves
The in-ear model AE ($149.95) (Rs. 8355)
- Silver-toned aluminum casing
- Premium 9mm drivers optimized
- A three-button remote with a built-in microphone is included
- Foam sleeves are offered along with three sizes of silicone sleeves
The on-ear model CL ($199) (Rs. 11,085)
- Metal hinges
- Sand-blasted metal finish and rectangular ear cups
- 40mm drivers
- Detachable cables feature highly finished metal connectors
- Cables are made of a tightly woven fabric to enhance feel as well as durability and flexibility.
The over-ear model BT ($249) Bluetooth headphones (Rs. 13,871)
- Integrated microphone
- Built-in playback buttons
- Charged via the included USB cable, but also work in passive mode
- Battery lasts 12 hours
- Fabric-covered headphone cable for wired playback from an iPhone, iPod or iPad.
The over-ear model NC ($299, available late summer) noise-cancelling headphones (Rs. 16650)
- HARMAN’s proprietary digital active noise-cancelling technology
- Slow-retention foam is used in the ear pads
- A 30-hour battery life
- Recharged via the included USB cable
- Continue to play when the battery runs dry
- Fabric-covered detachable cable and a premium case.
[quote]These headphones are enhanced by several audio technologies developed by HARMAN yet also reflect the brand’s commitment to innovative industrial design, People who truly appreciate beautiful sound – whether it is on the go or in the living room – should not compromise when it comes to performance. These refined and distinctive headphones are built with the precision that has always defined Harman Kardon’s high-fidelity products.

-Dinesh Paliwal, Chairman, President and CEO of HARMAN.[/quote]

[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]

HARMAN Brings Superior Sound, Comfort and Audio Innovation to New Line of Harman Kardon® Headphones

Modern design meets sophisticated acoustic performance in five Harman Kardon headphone models, priced from $99 to $299

For more information: HarmanKardon.com

STAMFORD, Conn. – HARMAN International Industries announced availability of a new line of Harman Kardon® headphones that deliver a performance destined to impress music lovers and longtime fans of the innovative and legendary audio brand. The Harman Kardon headphones include five options: two sound-isolating in-ear models tailored specifically for iPhone use and three on-ear and over-ear styles – including a wireless Bluetooth® and noise-cancelling model – for music lovers seeking a refined industrial design true to Harman Kardon’s rich acoustical heritage.

Harman Kardon, which introduced the world’s first stereo receiver in 1958, is synonymous with beautiful sound and attractive design. Pulling from a heritage of acoustic innovation, the Harman Kardon headphones incorporate optimized drivers that produce accurate bass even at low volumes, whereas many competing models today artificially exaggerate bass or treble. The distinctive rectangular shape of the in-ear, on-ear and over-ear headphones mirrors the back case of an iPhone, highlighting a design meant to pair with an iPhone, iPad or iPod.

“These headphones are enhanced by several audio technologies developed by HARMAN yet also reflect the brand’s commitment to innovative industrial design,” said Dinesh Paliwal, Chairman, President and CEO of HARMAN. “People who truly appreciate beautiful sound – whether it is on the go or in the living room – should not compromise when it comes to performance. These refined and distinctive headphones are built with the precision that has always defined Harman Kardon’s high-fidelity products.”

The headphones share several distinguishing features:

* The three on-ear/over-ear models are framed by a lightweight sand-blasted steel outer band that comes in two sizes so users can swap for the correct fit, while a leather inner band rests on the wearer’s head for comfort. Steel hinges accentuate the rugged feel of the headphone frame, which does not include plastic. Leather ear pads float in an enclosed steel frame, with only soft leather touching the listener’s ears. The detachable ear pads are connected by industrial-strength magnets to remove for cleaning or replacement. The headphones include 40mm drivers and have detachable cables. The headphones fold flat to slip easily into a briefcase or bag, a storage feature that will appeal to travelers. Each model includes a premium carrying case.

* Both in-ear styles were designed for passive noise cancellation so users clearly hear music and other audio content at lower volume levels – healthier for the ears. Multiple earphone sleeve options allow users to find the right fit while blocking exterior noise from disturbing the clarity of the audio content. Each model includes a three-button Apple-specified remote to make and receive phone calls while controlling volume and playback features.

Details of the five headphone models include:

* The in-ear model NI ($99.95) features 9mm drivers to provide a wide-dynamic range and high sound-pressure levels. This ultralight model has a rectangular black housing – shaped like the back of an iPhone – and a three-button remote with a built-in microphone for calls. Three sizes of silicone sleeves offer a comfortable fit and noise isolation.

* The in-ear model AE ($149.95) acoustically enhanced headphones isolate noise and are enclosed by a silver-toned aluminum casing for superior acoustic dampening to provide true low-frequency reproduction. The headphones include premium 9mm drivers optimized to work with the metal housing to deliver extended bass response. A three-button remote with a built-in microphone is included, while foam sleeves are offered along with three sizes of silicone sleeves.

* The on-ear model CL ($199) are defined by precision with metal hinges, a sand-blasted metal finish and rectangular ear cups that reflect the iPhone’s iconic design. The 40mm drivers are uniquely baffled to create an air flow that extends the low frequencies – bass – better than other models in their class. The detachable cables feature highly finished metal connectors, while the cables are made of a tightly woven fabric to enhance feel as well as durability and flexibility.

* The over-ear model BT ($249) Bluetooth headphones include an integrated microphone so users don’t have to remove them for a call. Built-in playback buttons sit along the side of one ear cup for easy music controls. These high-performance wireless headphones are charged via the included USB cable, but also work in passive mode. That means if the battery – which lasts 12 hours – is dead, users can attach the fabric-covered headphone cable for wired playback from an iPhone, iPod or iPad. Competitive Bluetooth headphones do not offer passive playback.

* The over-ear model NC ($299, available late summer) noise-cancelling headphones include HARMAN’s proprietary digital active noise-cancelling technology the company developed for acoustic installations in premium automobiles. Slow-retention foam is used in the ear pads to create a comfortable fit that also improves passive noise cancellation by creating an acoustic seal. The headphones have a 30-hour battery life and are recharged via the included USB cable. Unlike competing noise-cancelling headphones, the Harman Kardon headphones continue to play when the battery runs dry. The headphones come with a fabric-covered detachable cable and a premium case.

Availability

The Harman Kardon headphones are now available exclusively at Apple Retail Stores and Apple.com. For additional information, visit HarmanKardon.com.

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June 13, 2012
Mozilla Marketplace brings web apps to Desktop mode

An early version of the Mozilla Marketplace is live, users of Firefox 16 Nightly build some 100-plus apps to install, including Evernote, Jolicloud and Springpad. These apps will be able to run in Desktop mode, and they show up as if they were installed in the main Windows.

Presently this only works with Windows.

[Liliputing]

June 13, 2012
HTC will Buy S3 Graphics as a dead investment, security for future Patent suits.

HTC has assured that after a final assessment of the worth of S3 graphics the company will wrap up the buyout some time soon. The 270 patents that come into HTC portfolio will help the company fight off any legal issues that may arise in the future.

The strong Patent portfolio may also scare potential competition and make them think twice before any other patent wars begin

[Focus Taiwan]

June 13, 2012
Apple introduces new Smart Case for iPad – smart enough to cover booth sides

Ever wondered, what was protecting your tablet’s precious behind when the Smart covers were essentially only protecting the front. Apple has introduced a new Series of polyurethane Smart Covers , available in 6 colors along with matching microfibre lining (!)

It still has the magnetic features, along with various stands for various positions that you would want to use your iPad in. Its selling for a price of US $49 (Rs. 2799) and it works with both the iPad 2nd Generation and the iPad 3rd Generation.

[Apple Store]

June 12, 2012
Verizon’s Droid RAZR HD leaked benchmarks leave a mark

The next revision of the DROID RAZR series is due this year, dubbed the “DROID RAZR HD” the phone recently was spotted in a benchmark listing. A NenaMark2 report clearly shows what claims to be the Verizon phone with a Qualcomm Adreno 225 GPU. There is reason to believe that the chipset is actually a 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 .

More details from the benchmark report show a HD screen 1196 x 720 px and Android ICS (4.0.4). Possibilities also include really thin dimensions. We’ll keep you guys updated.

[NenaMark]

June 11, 2012