Author: Deviana

WhatsApp Updates Terms of Service, Will Share Your Number with Facebook
WhatsApp has updated its Terms of Service now that the Facebook control is starting to seep through. WhatsApp says it will start sharing the phone numbers of its users with Facebook, its parent company.

You can Opt Out if you do not want this by going to Settings – Account. Click to Share

WhatsApp says they want a n easier way for people including businesses to find you. However, there will be no third-party banner ads on WhatsApp nor Spam.

The intention is to charge companies to allow user to make transactions, and get appointment information, things like delivery and shipping notifications, product and service updates, and marketing. Which would make the use of WhatsApp more interactive while allowing the company to finally make some money.

If you are an existing user, you can choose not to have your WhatsApp account information shared with Facebook to improve your Facebook ads and products experiences. Existing users who accept the updated Terms and Privacy Policy will have an additional 30 days to make this choice by going to Settings > Account.

[toggles behavior=”toggle”]
[toggle title=”Key Updates”]Respect for your privacy is coded into our DNA. Since we started WhatsApp, we’ve built our Services with a set of strong privacy principles in mind. In our updated Terms and Privacy Policy you’ll find:
- Information that is easier to understand. Our updated Terms and Privacy Policy are easier to understand and reflect new features such as WhatsApp Calling and WhatsApp for web and desktop.
- We joined Facebook in 2014. WhatsApp is now part of the Facebook family of companies. Our Privacy Policy explains how we work together to improve our services and offerings, like fighting spam across apps, making product suggestions, and showing relevant offers and ads on Facebook. Nothing you share on WhatsApp, including your messages, photos, and account information, will be shared onto Facebook or any of our other family of apps for others to see, and nothing you post on those apps will be shared on WhatsApp for others to see.
- Your messages are yours, and we can’t read them. We’ve built privacy, end-to-end encryption, and other security features into WhatsApp. We don’t store your messages once they’ve been delivered. When they are end-to-end encrypted, we and third parties can’t read them.
- No third-party banner ads. We still do not allow third-party banner ads on WhatsApp.
- New ways to use WhatsApp. We will explore ways for you and businesses to communicate with each other using WhatsApp, such as through order, transaction, and appointment information, delivery and shipping notifications, product and service updates, and marketing. For example, you may receive flight status information for upcoming travel, a receipt for something you purchased, or a notification when a delivery will be made. Messages you may receive containing marketing could include an offer for something that might interest you. We do not want you to have a spammy experience; as with all of your messages, you can manage these communications, and we will honor the choices you make.
[/toggle]
[/toggles]

Full details in the source link below.
August 25, 2016
Xiaomi Launches Redmi Note 4 With Deca Core Helio X20

Xiaomi has launched the new Redmi Note 4 in China with a Deca Core (10 core) Helio X20 chipset. Consumers will get a 2GB/16GB and 3GB/64GB variant option.

The Redmi Note 4 runs on MIUI 8 with Marshmallow as a base and will get an update to Android Nougat later this year. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 starts at 899 yuan (Rs 9,000 ) for the 2GB variant and 1199 yuan (Rs 12,000) for the 3GB version.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 comes with a 5.5-inch full HD display (1920×1080 pixels) with 2.5D arc glass design along with a 4100 mAh Battery.

For India the company will bring the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 to India Early October for a price starting Rs. 9999 Replacing the Redmi Note 3.

August 25, 2016
Apple May launch a Curved Screen iPhone in 2017

With the iPhone 7 (or is it the iPhone 6SE) launch just around the corner, A report from the Nikkei Asian Review, with ties close to Apple is claiming that the largest tech company in the world is working on what may be a curved screen iPhone for 2017.

If read correctly, the report claims that Apple will launch a total of three phones, a 4.7 inch and a 5.5 inch flat phone along with a 5.5 inch device with a curve. This would be especially similar to the Samsung strategy of the curved phones since the Note Edge in 2014.

This rumour is further detailed thanks to a patent that has been granted to Apple for a curvy phone.No further details of the smartphone are yet available. It also seems that Apple may need to switch to either OLED display from Samsung or POLED display from LG, to allow for such a device to exist. However, according to rumours Apple may switch to OLED display for the iPhone 7 which will launch in a few weeks time.

Traditionally people have stayed away from curved screen phones, however, Samsung has this year put the fear of the curve in the past by launching its flagship in a edge only format, which means that this is the first time a Samsung Note device is available with a flat variant. Also putting weight into the fact that users are now more accepting of the radical curved design.

August 24, 2016
After SmartPhones Xiaomi Wants You To Buy Their Budget VR Headset

Xiaomi at an event in its home country launched the new Mi VR Play headset. The Headset which is available to beta testers for just RMB 1 (US$0.15) already has millions pre-registered for it. So if you want one now, you have a long wait ahead.

The Mi VR Play is different because it is made out of Lycra as opposed to traditional plastics, this synthetic and starchy compound is used in clothing to give them more durability and comfort.

It supports 4.7- to 5.7-inch phones and they are held down not by clamps but by zipper. Yes, Zippers! The dual openings on the front allow for slight positioning adjustments and ventilation.You will also get the newly renamed Mi VR app which has content from a bunch of local providers and Conde Nast Traveller.

No Doubt it is a good looking VR headset and it comes in a bunch of colours and designs. But When can one actually buy it without waiting in line. And whatever happened to the Mi TV?

August 5, 2016
Apple Announces a $200,000 Bug Bounty Program

Cupertino based Apple Inc. has launched its own Bug Bounty program with a winning of US $ 200,000 for hackers and researchers who find and report security flaws in Apple products. Apple claims that they have reached a stagnation point where its own testers and even third party contract security firms are having difficulty finding bugs.

Bug Bounty and hacking seem to be becoming lucrative on the other side of the fence. Recently the FBI paid US $ 1 Million to a Hacker to hack into the San Bernardino case iPhone .

Apple’s Bug Bounty program is by far the biggest corporate bounty program announced, and will definitely get some bug bounty specialists scrambling for the prize. Other companies like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have already paid out huge sums to bug finders. Vine got added to this list recently.

August 5, 2016
How Does GST Impact Technology and E-Commerce in India

The government of India has finally passed the GST bill, also known as the Goods and Services Tax bill. This is considered a significant step in the reform of indirect taxation in India. While the rate of GST is undecided it should rain between 17 – 19%.

So what does GST mean and how does it affect the Tech and Commerce Sector?

For starters, companies and manufacturers will see big benefits from this taxation policy. Instead of paying taxes at multiple levels of government including State and Central, there will be one Tax allowing for companies to save from the existing cumulative 25-30% tax burden and reduce it to 17-18% a a single unified tax.

For consumers the Mobile Phone prices are likely to come down and will become the same across states. Smartphone and Electronics Manufacturers are also likely to pass this saving to customers.

Smartphones To Become Cheaper

For Smartphone and Electronics Manufacturers, GST will ease up doing business as the cost of several state warehouses and logistics would reduce significantly. On the flip side, Network companies like Airtel, Vodafone and Reliance will get affected with the high rate of GST and would eventually raise prices for their services.

For the Auto Sector, prices of consumer Automobiles are expected to drop by 8% across the board thanks to the implementation of GST. This should help consumers buy their favourite vehicles slightly easily.

E-Commerce companies will be able to freely deliver goods across the country and certain complaints of specific states not falling into the delivery zone would be eliminated. The rise in cost of tax to a proposed 18% would increase administration costs for E-Commerce players.

All in all the GST Bill is seen as a win not only for the Tax system, but, also for the industry and the consumer at the end. Which means that once GST is implemented a lot of the Nation will stand unified – on goods and services at the least.

The implementation of a unified GST in India, will be one of the most significant reforms introduced in recent times. It will certainly ease our cost burden of logistics and benefits of reduced taxation can be passed on to our end consumers.
Atul Jain COO LeEco

I hope the Government will implement this long pending reform by April 1, 2017. The Government’s idea of a single tax regime is crucial to improve ease of doing business in India and address the ambiguities of the current indirect tax landscape, proving beneficial for the economy, at large
Bhaskar Pramanik, Chairman, Microsoft India

Have any comments on GST ? Leave the below.

August 4, 2016
Instagram Stories is Basically A Total Imitation of Snapchat

Instagram’s new feature Instagram Stories takes on what Snapchat does best. With the new stories Instagram is targeting it’s 300 Million Active users, which is double of what Snapchat currently holds.

Although Facebook, Instagram’s Main Company, is known to take “ideas” for new features, Snapchat will still hold on to a lot of exclusives.

Thanks to the acquisition of Face mapping app Looksery, Snapchat’s exclusive filters like the dog face filter are not coming to Instagram soon.

The format is pretty similar, images stay for 24 hours and then they are gone, you can add filters, stickers and even draw on your images. What’s more now while you capture on snapchat you can save your snapchats and re-post them on Instagram stories.

When watching your own story, swipe up to check out who’s seen each photo and video. You can even choose to feature a particular part of your story by posting it on your profile, which means if you decide to keep an image it goes permanent on your Instagram.

More control means you can also easily hide your entire story from anyone you don’t want to see it, even if they follow you.

Instagram seems to have found a good recipe for the 24 Hours storyline, however, this does not mean Snapchat is going anywhere soon. Instagram seems to have a completely different audience, which might change now. Also we might see a new Lawsuit headed Facebook/Instagram’s way.

August 3, 2016
Samsung Also Launches a New Gear VR

Thanks to the new USB Type-C port on the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, the old Gear VR ends up being incompatible. The company has hence, launched a brand new Gear VR especially designed for the all new Samsung Galaxy Note 7.

It has interchangeable ports, so you can change the USB Type-C for a Micro-USB to use the older gen Samsung Devices. The Padding and controls get the much needed update so the Gear VR is apparently more comfortable and easier to use.

Samsung is also launching the Gear 360 in other countries including the US and India. Samsung is expected to include the Gear VR for free with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 for those who pre-order when the phone launches in India.

Independently the new Gear VR is expected to sell for Rs. 9,999 with interchangeable adapters.

August 2, 2016

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Launch In India on 11th August

According to Samsung India, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will launch in India on the 11th of August and will go on Sale on the 18th of August One day prior to the US sale date.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is expected to launch in India, with an Exynos chipset, similar to the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. The new Samsung Galaxy Note 7 shares most of its features with the S series flagships launched by the company earlier this year. However, fails to deliver beyond the 4GB RAM where users were expecting 6GB along with just a 3500 mAh battery which may be too less for the mammoth phone which has a 5.7 inch QHD Super AMOLED display which is a battery hog.

The cameras of the Galaxy Note 7 are shared with the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge with a 12 MP dual pixel f/1.7 camera at the back and a 5 MP f/1.7 camera in the front. The new features include some new features in the Air View including Translate and Magnify. The Iris Scanner is included by Samsung as a feature to bump up the security on their devices with the Samsung KNOX.

Although not particularly clear, the Galaxy Note 7 is expected to launch in India with a price somewhere around the Rs. 60,000 range. Mentions of either a Rs 59,990 price or a Rs. 62,999 price with a free New-Gen Gear VR headset are being talked about for the Indian Market.

Specs	Samsung Galaxy Note 7
Display	5.7” Quad HD Dual edge Super AMOLED
Resolution	2560 x 1440 pixels (518ppi)
Dimensions	153.5 x 73.9 x 7.9mm, 169g
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 in the US / Octa core (2.3GHz Quad + 1.6GHz Quad), 64 bit
GPU	Adreno 530
RAM	4GB RAM
Storage	64GB flash storage
Rear Camera	Dual Pixel 12MP MP, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), f/1.7
Front Camera	5MP f/1.7
Expandability	256GB via microSD
Battery	Li-Po 3500 mAh
Connectivity	USB Type-C
OS	Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) / Samsung UI
ETC	Fingerprint Sensor,S- Pen, IP68, iris scanning feature
Price	TBA

August 2, 2016

Watch the Samsung Unpacked Event Live Here

Incase you are interested, Samsung will be streaming the Samsung Unpacked Event at 20:30 IST on their website or on YouTube. You can also simply bookmark this page and watch the stream below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCpVkeW40pI

With all the information out, there are only a few surprises Samsung can reveal at the event. Excited?

August 2, 2016
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Handled Just before Launch

While yesterday the Note 7 renders had leaked, here is the box of the Note 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 itself.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Box

The phone itself, just like the press renders is a bigger boxier version of the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. The Galaxy Note 7 has a dual Edge QuadHD display as also mentioned on the box.

This is the box of the Exynos variant , hence it mentions a Octa Core processor. You will get the 12 MP plus 5 MP camera configuration and the IP68 rating has been confirmed.

Galaxy Note 7 Box Specs

Previous leaks have confirmed that the Note 7 will be available in two variants, an Exynos variant and a Snapdragon Variant.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 left

Samsung will launch the new Galaxy Note 7 today along with the new Gear VR, The company should launch the Galaxy Note 7 in India within the week.

via

August 2, 2016
Android 7.0 Nougat Will be Releasing On Aug 5 With New Camera App

According to several leaks Aug 5 is the day Google will officially roll out Android 7.0 Nougat to the public, which means it should be hitting all compatible Nexus devices, and a whole lot of other brand devices including HTC and Motorola soon after.

Nexus 5 will remain out of the update loop as Google will proceed to launch the next generation of Nexus handsets later this month.

The new OS update will bring several new apps including a new Camera App which will bring several new features and more manual control of the camera.

Android 7.0 releases next month, with the 8/5 security patch. Sorry Nexus 5 owners, no Nougat for you ?
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) July 30, 2016

Google may also launch several other apps showcased during Google I/O including Allo

August 1, 2016
Mi Notebook Air is Xiaomi’s Thinner and Cheaper Answer to the Macbook Air
Xiaomi has finally launched the new Mi Notebook Air, an aluminium shell power packed Windows 10 notebook that is thinner than the MacBook Air and will cost considerably less too.

The Notebook Air will be available in two sizes options, a large 13.3 inch variant and a smaller 12.5 inch variant. The Mi Notebook Air is 14.3 mm in thickness which is considerably lower than the MacBook Air’s 17mm .

The Mi Notebook Air also offers a expandable SSD slot, to add onto the 256 GB SSD that comes standard. The 13.3 inch Mi Notebook Air can be unlocked using a Mi Band.

Mi Notebook Air 13.3″
- Intel Core i5 processor, runs Windows 10 Home
- 8GB DDR4 RAM + 256GB PCIe SSD, expandable SSD slot
- NVIDIA GeForce 940MX dedicated graphics card
- 9.5-hour battery, 50% charge in 30min
- Lightweight full metal body, weighs just 1.28kg
- Elegant logoless design, personalize with stickers
- Supports Mi Cloud Sync and Mi Band unlocking
- Price : RMB 4999 / US $ 750 / Rs. 50000
Mi Notebook Air 12.5″
- Sized like a magazine, just 12.9mm thin
- Full metal body, only weighs 1.07kg
- Intel Core M3 processor, 11.5-hour battery
- 4GB RAM + 128GB SATA SSD, expandable SSD slot
- 1080p FHD screen, edge-to-edge protective glass
- AKG custom dual speakers, Dolby digital surround sound
- Price : RMB 3499 / US $ 524 / Rs. 35000
July 27, 2016
Apple Takes Up 40,000 sq ft Space in Bengaluru, Sets Up iOS App Development Accelerator

Apple has just leased 40,000 sq ft of prime real estate in Bangalore / Bengaluru to set up a development accelerator for iOS Apps.

Apple had announced this project back in may when tim cook said :

India is home to one of the most vibrant and entrepreneurial iOS development communities in the world,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “With the opening of this new facility in Bengaluru, we’re giving developers access to tools which will help them create innovative apps for customers around the world.

The facility in Bengaluru will be Apple’s second after Hyderabad where earlier this year Apple also launched a technology centre, dedicated to Apple Maps development.

July 26, 2016
Apple may Launch iPhone 6SE This Year, Instead of iPhone 7

Apple’s next iPhone is coming on Friday, Sept. 16th according to latest leaks, and the naming seems to have changed. So everything you heard about the three models of the iPhone, including the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone Pro may turn out to be just great misleads.

The next iPhone may be called the iPhone 6SE keeping the design lineage same as the previous gen iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s.

A report from Apfelpage suggests Apple may not call the device the iPhone 7 after all. It says Chinese supply chain sources have seen packaging and labelling that indicates the new phone will be called the ‘iPhone 6SE’.

All Glass iPhone Design for 2017

However, it seems unlikely that Apple will change the naming system of its flagship smartphone, And a iPhone 7 name seems more likely and on the cards. With Apple majorly overhauling the design of the iPhone in 2017, the iPhone 7 Moniker would make sense for a new design phone.

July 26, 2016