Author: Bharat Nagpal

Samsung tries to prove it made fiction a reality with new Gear Ads

Samsung’s new Galaxy Gear ads point towards a very futile yet nostalgic part of our history, taking in key characters from our lives. Dick Tracy, Power Rangers, Flintstones, Jetsons, Knight Rider, Star Trek, Inspector Gadget and even the Predator, all believed in a wearable tech that could let you communicate. Most importantly a watch, that would allow communication and control of surroundings.

The Two ads may spark up a nostalgic feeling for those who have lived in the era, but will not change the fact that the The Galaxy Gear watch is nothing more than a mere control device. They are worth a “watch” anyway.

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October 7, 2013
iOS 7 Battery Drain Fixes for iPods, iPhone 4, 4s, iPhone 5, 5c and iPhone 5s

If you recently upgraded your iPhone 4, 4s and or 5 to iOS 7 then you are probably suffering from massive battery loss on your iOS device also known as post-upgrade-drain-syndrome. However we have been able to locate a few causes that could be the culprits behind the whole iOS 7 battery life drain issue.

Check out the ten quick fixes below and the ultimate fix at the bottom.

Quick Fixes

1. Brightness and Display Timeout : It’s an age old problem, and probably the easiest to fix quickly : ensure that the brightness is not turned up too high and the timeout of the display is at 1 minute. This will save the battery considerably as the biggest consumer of iOS 7 battery is the Display.

2. Location Services : In iOS 7 a lot of apps ask for location use consent and users mostly agree without realizing that the use of GPS causes sufferable battery drain, quickly fix theis by going to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and turning off apps you don’t want using this service. For example Google Chrome may use location to find localized results but you may not need that, so turn it off. Also at the bottom of the Location services menu,you will find a System Services panel, which can be further tweaked to turn off options like Location Based iAds etc. that you don’t need.

3. iPhone 5/ 5s Parallax : The fun new animation which causes the wallpaper in the background to move, making the whole plane of the iPhone look 3 dimensional also affects the battery life drastically. Head over to Settings > General > Accessibility and set “Reduce Motion” to On. This will disable parallax and increase iOS 7 battery life.

4. Background App Refresh: If your apps are getting updated and refreshed while your phone is resting, its not really resting. While your phone is on standby , its actually getting drained pinging the servers for data refreshes. turning this off will improve battery life considerably. Find it in Settings > General “Background App Refresh” you can turn it off completely or turn off apps you can refresh manually.

5. Push Mail / Fetch Mail : Push Mail and Fetch mail also check the servers for new email frequently, using up data and battery life, setting this to manual will help the battery life of your iPhone / iPod. However some would rather have this feature on. Find the settings in Settings > Mail,Contacts, Calendars > Fetch New Data.

6. Incompatible Apps : Some apps that have not been optimized for iOS 7 may cause battery drain issues, one such daily use app is “Whatsapp”. In our testing we saw that battery drained 200 times faster if Whatsapp is actively running on the iOS 7 device. If not using this app is not an option, then double tapping the home button and sliding the app away to fully quit the app may be a good option to save battery life.

7. iPhone 5/ 5s Airdrop: On the iPhone 5, 5c and 5s a new feature called Airdrop allows you to share files between other iOS devices that support this feature including Mac OS devices. However if you don’t use this feature frequently turning this off from the control center will save additional battery. Swipe the control center up and tap on AirDrop , then tap “Off” and you are all set.

8. Spotlight Settings : With iOS 7, you can now search for anything on your iPhone using Spotlight. All you have to do is pull down on your Home screen and you can search pretty much every part of your phone, from notes to music, to mail. This also takes a mjor hit on the Battery, simply reduce the search options to the ones you do use : go to Settings > General > Spotlight search and set it to use only things you use.

9. Siri: Unless you use Siri frequently, turn her/him off. If you do use Siri, then turning off “Raise to Speak” in Settings > General > Siri will keep the proximity sensor from being used all the time.

10. Bluetooth and Wifi: Although the essence of any Smartphone, if you are not a frequent user of Bluetooth and Wifi, then turning them off will help improve iOS 7 battery life.

Although the above fixes will help a lot with the battery life drain, turning off only those features you can live without is recommended. If all else fails try the major Fix below.

Major Fix:

Set Up as a new device:

In most cases when we update any hardware from one generation of OS to the next, it is recommended that a fresh install be done. Similarly when you upgraded your iOS 6 device to iOS7, a lot of profiles and cached files, tmp file and even some preferences get carried over to iOS 7 which may not essentially be compatible with the new OS and may cause the processor on the iPhone/ iPod to get overworked.

Take a backup of all your images, sync up your contact to iCloud or any similar service, and bid adieu to the old messages. Put your iPhone / iPod in DFU mode , and restore the device via iTunes, once the new iOS is downloaded and flashed on your iPhone / iPod, set it up as a new device and do not restore from backup.

Simply sync back your images, contacts, music and apps and you are good to go. You will see a drastic change in the battery life of your iDevices, as this method will make your device fresh and delete all the garbage that was not required.

October 6, 2013
Nexus 5 full details emerge in Leaked LG Service Manual

In a twist of events Google has not been able to keep the upcoming device under wraps. The first images of the Nexus 5 came thanks to Google’s own Android Kit Kat unveil video, post which a barrage of images started to pop over on to the inter webs.

Now a leaked LG service manual with the model number LG D821 has emerged which gives of the complete low down on the new Nexus 5 and its design. According to the leaked resource the handset will have 4.95-inch display, a 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, inductive charging and NFC. This particular model’s LTE bands (1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 20) are optimized for Asia and Europe.

On the optics front there’s an eight-megapixel camera with OIS on back and a 1.3-megapixel front camera for selfies. Storage is a steady 32GB and is powered by a 2300 mAh juice pack. The LCD IPS display has a 1080p resolution and screen tethering is supported via a Slimport (just like the Nexus 4).

The Hardware will have the usual array of sensors, but one unique one which measures pressure, there is also a notification light and a microSim Slot.

LG D821

[VIA]

October 6, 2013
Facebook App for Windows Phone now allows multi-photo uploads and unfriending

The Facebook app for Windows Phone has been updated to add two of the most essential features to any modern Facebook user. Photography enthusiasts will love the fact that now from their Windows phone they can upload multiple photos at the same time, essential for all those Lumia 1020 buyers.

The new update also allows users to be able to unfriend and unlike people and posts, a simple yet essential feature for Facebook users. The Facebook app for Windows Phone update brings more to the table than just the two updates mentioned above, such as inline @ tagging and speed boosts for both posts and check-ins.

If you dawn a Windows Phone and are an avid Facebook user then getting the Facebook app for Windows Phone update might help you be a little more social, but at the same time keep your : fren-emies in check.

October 5, 2013
Gionee Elife E6 Unboxing Black and White

Gionee yesterday launched the new Elife E6 in India for a price of Rs. 22990. The new handset is available in two colors white and black, while the white is slightly glossy the black color is matte and both have been thought thoroughly it seems.

The unibody shell of the Elife E6 is very identical to the iPhone in overall appeal, however most people seem more intrigued by this infront of an iPhone. The polycarbonate shell is beautiful and fits in the hands really well, which makes the form factor of this device a great overall selling point.

White Color Box Contents

On the hardware front Gionee Elife E6 is packed with a Quad Core 1.5 Ghz Mediatek chipset ARM Cortex A7 CPU and a PowerVR SGX544MP GPU. The device has a 5 inch AMOLED display with full HD screen 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution. The screen is vivid and bright, it has a 441 pixels per inch pixel density along with OGS technology.

Black Color Box Contents

The Gionee Elife E6 comes with a 13 MP rear camera with a second generation BSI sensor and a 5 MP front-facing camera with a 28 mm lens, both cameras support full HD video recording. The device is powered by a 2020 mAh battery and runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, it also sports 2 GB of RAM along with 32 GB of inbuilt storage.

While we unboxed both units, each different color unit has matching accessories in the box. The White Elife E6 has white wall charger, USB cable, headsets and flip cover and the Black colored Elife E6 has the same accessories but in black color. Watch our making and Hands on video below and our Unboxing video above.

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Gionee Elife E6 White Color:

Gionee Elife E6 Black Color:

October 4, 2013
LG G2 Giveaway : iGyaan

The LG G2 is LG’s latest heavy weight entrant into the Smartphone marketplace and iGyaan is giving away one to one lucky winner. Just like our contests in the past you need to follow basic set of rules to be a part of the giveaway.

LG’s G2 has a 1080 P 5.2 inch IPS display,a 13 MP camera with OIS at the back to help you capture those special moments alongside a 2.1 MP front facing camera. There is 3000 mAh non removable battery to keep the device charged. Unfortunately there is no Micro SD slot for memory expansion but the device does come in a 32 GB variant.

So if you have your eye on this smartphone then simply take part below, and spread the word using Facebook, twitter and Google Plus.

Terms and Conditions

The Result is now Out!

Name: Subecha Pradhan

Q: LG G2 is a device made after learning from you. If there is one quality in you, that you would like the LG G2 to learn, what would it be?

Answer: I would like the LG G2 to learn everything about me, my irregular wake up time included. I would fall in love with the Lg G2 if it could learn and tell me everytime I get lost on my way and then guide me back on track. If it could sense that I am in a restaurant and tell me to click the dessert and instagram it before I gulp it all in. If the G2 could learn when I’am sitting idle and update me with the latest news as well as the whereabouts of my dear ones. Basically, if the LG G2 could learn and adapt to my irregular and sporadic self, the LG G2 would be my closest friend.

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October 2, 2013
LG G2 Unboxing and Hands on Review
LG today launched the G2 a successor to the Nexus style Optimus G and the G Pro, the new LG G2 brings to the table what LG seems to have been missing from a long time. The LG G2 offers a mix of impressive hardware a decent design and build along with the right pricing. The two variants the 16 GB and 32 GB have been launched in India for prices Rs. 40497 and Rs. 43497 respectively (latest price below) .

In the box of the LG G2 are the usual things:
The initial impressions of the LG G2 are quite impressive, out the box, the device just blazes across tasks. The impressive 5.2 inch display has a minimal bezel and great visibility outdoors, the usual great viewing angles, Gorilla Glass 2 and OGS HD IPS LCD which has a full HD 1920x1080p resolution. The LG G2 comes with a non-removable 3000 mAh battery along with a non expandable storage capacity of either 16 or 32 GB.

The rear camera on the LG G2 is an improved version of the on Optimus G pro with a 13 MP BSI sensor with OIS and 1920 x 1080 p hd video capture at 60 fps. The G2 will remain LG’s flagship this year and with great conviction thanks to the great set of hardware. The phone aesthetically is good to look at, the rear of the device sits in the hand really comfortably thanks to the curved edges and rounded corners. The phone is extremely light when you pick it up and at first appears as if is without a battery. The subtle chrome lines and the metallic back buttons ensure that the device looks premium adding to the patterned back panel.

Putting the buttons on the back of the device may not be LG’s most shining moment, but it also makes the device free from bumps and ridges, letting your hand and fingers slide smoothly across the sides of the device. The knock to unlock screen also makes the experience of locking and unlocking the device a lot more potent.

[pullquote_left]LG might have a winner here[/pullquote_left]

The biggest A factor of the device has to be the gorgeous display along with the minimal bezel design which makes the front of the device fell as if its purely display (edge to edge). LG might have a winner here, but lets wait for our full review!

BUY NOW

LG G2
September 30, 2013
LG Launches the new G2 in India Starting Rs. 40499 for 16GB

LG today launched the new LG G2 in India for a Price of Rs. 40497 for the 16 GB variant and Rs. 43490 for 32 GB. The new G2 is a follow up of the Optimus G which has been a very popular device for LG globally. The New LG G2 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset with a Quad Core Krait 400 CPU clocked at 2.2 GHz and the new Adreno 330 GPU.

The LG G2 has a 13 MP camera with OIS and 1080p video at 60fps, the front facing 2.1 MP also captures full HD 1080p at 30fps, LG is highlighting new features of the camera including time lapse shot, burst shot, dual camera and dynamic tone. LG has also retained older features like the cheese shot which allows you to click a picture using a series of words like : LG, Whiskey , Kimchi etc.

The new G2 has a 5.2 inch 1920 x 1080 p True HD-IPS + LCD capacitive display with a fantastic 424 ppi pixel density, the front has Corning Gorilla gGlass 2 and LG’s OGS technology. The LG G2 is expected to do well in the country considering the righ kind of pricing from LG and the previous overall satisfied experience of the users. The 2GB RAm based LG G2 also has a 3000 mAh battery which has been designed by LG to charge quickly and last longer than usual.

The LG G2 goes on sale today , stay tuned for our unboxing and hands on.

BUY NOW

[toggle title=”Press Release”]
New Delhi, 30 September, 2013: Breaking the rule to offer an impeccable experience to its customers, LG Electronics today launched its flagship smartphone LG G2 in India. G2, the latest kid on the block, introduced under LG’s new ‘G’ series of premium devices is designed on insights derived from LG’s study of consumer lifestyle and behavior. A pioneer in design, elegance and technology, this 5.2 inch smartphone is equipped with the industry’s most advanced mobile chipset, the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 800 Processor, and runs Android Jelly Bean.

LG G2 has breakthroughs in almost every aspect of the phone. It changes the norm in smartphone design by placing all the buttons on the rear of the device, thereby making it the first mobile phone completely devoid of the side buttons. Its other remarkable features include studio-like sound quality, rich graphics and outstanding battery efficiency. The phone has a unique privacy feature that sets two pattern locks thereby, allowing limited interface for guest users. Not only this, unlocking the phone has never been this easy, knock on the display twice. This everyday and most used features too has been given a twist to make it convenient for customers.

At the launch, Mr. Soon Kwon, M.D., LG India, explains, “The smartphone market in India is reaching newer heights, with a total of 9.3 million smartphones being shipped in the second quarter this year, as per a recent report. Our focus with G2 is to give our customers a phone that is smart and convenient, in every way- a unique design, a large display, high quality camera with Image Stabilizer, true studio like sound and compelling user experience. LG G2 is a perfect phone that epitomizes our DNA, innovation.”

“At LG, we innovate by learning and delivering to the needs of our customers. With the launch of G2 our aim is of capturing 10% market share of the Smartphone category by the end of 2014. We are targeting 150 Cr turnover from G2,” added Mr. Kwon.

LG Mobiles has earmarked Rs. 100 cr for marketing and strengthening the retail and channel expansion.

A New Dimension in Smartphone Design
The G2’s unique placement of all the buttons on the device’s rear end came from the insights drawn from an LG study – Learning from you. The study showed that placing their index finger on the back of the phone is how most people naturally hold the smartphone as it is most comfortable and stable way to hold it. So we have placed the keys on the back of the phone so that users are able to control both the power and volume buttons with the index finger. This makes the handheld experience of a phablet much easier and convenient. Researchers found that moving the buttons resulted in fewer dropped phones when adjusting the volume while talking. The rear volume keys are also multi-functional and long pressing them would launch QuickMemo app and the camera.

Edge to Edge Display
The G2 sports a gorgeous 5.2 inch Full HD IPS display. The IPS display ensures superior graphics, accurate colors and clear images without any distortion. For more efficient energy usage, the LG G2 employs Graphic RAM (GRAM) technology which reduces the display’s energy use by up to 26 percent on a still frame and increases overall usage time on the device by approximately 10 percent. To offer an expansive viewing experience, LG’s innovative Dual Routing technology reduces the phone’s bezel to a mere 2.65mm on the side edge which makes the maximum viewability of the large 5.2inch in compact and slim design.

Dual- Recording and Hi-Fi Sound
The LG G2’s high-resolution 13MP camera comes equipped with Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) technology to prevent blurring. This also allows to take pictures of objects in motion as clear as they were still. G2 allows dual-recording with its 13MP back and 2.1MP front camera. While most smartphone cameras with OIS tend to offer a resolution in the 4MP to 8MP range but G2 is unique in that as it offers 13MP and OIS technology in a slim design without a protruding lens. To add to the steadiness and the beauty of a camera, it is packed in Sapphire crystal glass. It is also the first smartphone on the market today to feature 24 bit/192kHz Hi-Fi playback that reproduces studio-like quality sound. Consumers can now experience a level of audio realism that was not possible before in a smartphone.

Intuitive UX for a better engagement
LG G2 comes with a number of compelling user experience (UX) features that provide the most practical value by focusing on a smartphones most popular task. If the G2 is lying on a surface face-up, its KnockOn feature helps the smartphone to be powered on by simply tapping twice on the display. The Guest Mode feature protects privacy as it sets two pattern locks. It allows the owner to set up a sort of guest interface for people who want to experience the phone. Using Guest Mode, the owner can secure important files and deny access to certain applications. The Text Link feature allows information embedded in text messages to be selected and easily saved in a memo or calendar and searched on a map or the internet. QuickRemote app transforms G2 into a universal remote to control popular home entertainment devices and operate multiple devices. Slide Aside enables easier multitasking by simply “sliding” open apps off to the side using a three-finger swipe.

The LG G2 brings everything together in a device with comfortable, functional, convenient and beautiful design. LG G2 is priced at MRP Rs. 41,500 and will be available in various stores across India.

About LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd.
LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of LG Electronics, South Korea was established in January 1997 in India. It is one of the most formidable brands in consumer electronics, home appliances, IT hardware and mobile communications space. In India for a decade, LG has earned a premium brand positioning and is the acknowledged trendsetter for the industry.
LGEIL’s manufacturing unit at Greater Noida is one of the most eco-friendly units among all LG manufacturing plants in the world. The second Greenfield facility is located at Ranjangaon; Pune has the capacity to manufacture LED TV’s, Air Conditioners, Washing Machines, Refrigerators, and Monitors .[/toggle]

September 30, 2013
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Unboxing and Hands-On
Samsung’s latest flagship the Galaxy Note 3 goes on Sale starting today across major cities in India. Priced at Rs. 49,900 the Indian edition of the Galaxy Note 3 comes with an Exynos 5 chipset (1.9GHz Quad core + 1.3 GHz Quad core) along with 32 GB of storage and 3 GB of RAM. The new Galaxy Note 3 adds a whole new set of features and software enhancements to their existing lineup of Galaxy devices. To start off the Galaxy Note 3 comes with Android 4.3 out of the box, a completely new layer of Touchwiz and a whole new set of actions for the S PEN.

In The Galaxy Note 3 BOX.
Initial Hands on Impressions

[pullquote_left]A new Feel of Galaxy[/pullquote_left]

The Galaxy Note 3 feels much better than the Note 2 did – out of the box, however this is mainly because of the aesthetic appeal added by the new design and back panel. The back cover not only looks good, it adds a comfortable holding place providing grip and a warm to touch feel to the usually cold plastic back of Galaxy devices. The Interface is fast and responsive , in fact its almost lag free. Setup for the device is easy and overall without problems, you get 50 GB of free dropbox storage for two years and a few other accounts that you can setup up in the initial process.

Samsung’s included earphones have been slightly improved adding flat cables, and volume controls along with a new USB 3 cable that should help sync up and charge the device faster. The included tips for the SPEN are great too, they let you change to a new smooth tip when the old one dies out, but in our experience the pen has been usually long lasting.

Buy Now

Check out our images below.
September 25, 2013
Mass Identity Suicide on Facebook, 11 Million Users drop out after NSA probing

Over Eleven million Facebook users in the US and the UK have deleted their Facebook accounts in view of recent NSA spy program revelations. The number is still increasing and is expected to cross 20 million by the end of September. This phenomenon also known as “Virtual Identity Suicide” is demonstrated by people with privacy confers and internet addiction phobias.

Approximately 9 million Facebook users in the US and 2 million people in the UK have deleted their accounts from the social network, the Daily Mail reports. Reasons for quitting Facebook were mainly privacy concerns (48.3%), followed by a general dissatisfaction (13.5%), negative aspects of online friends (12.6%) and the feeling of becoming addicted (6.0%). Fear of Facebook addiction and unwillingness to waste time on silly talk was mentioned among other reasons for deleting Facebook accounts.

Brenda Wiederhold, editor of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behaviour and Social Networking which published the findings, said:

Given high profile stories such as WikiLeaks and the recent NSA surveillance reports, individual citizens are becoming increasingly more wary of cyber-related privacy concerns.

With over 950 Million active users Facebook barely gets a scratch in its popularity, but if the trend continues the Online Social Giant may be forced to tap into better security and privacy norms to ensure the peace of mind of its members.

[VIA]

September 23, 2013
Blackberry pauses BBM Android and iOS rollout following Leaked apps

Blackberry has stopped seeding the Blackberry messenger for iOS and Android apps following a leaked Android app that caused server and stability issues with the Blackberry messaging network.There were too many simultaneous users, the company says; with over 1.1 million active clients in the first eight hours of the initial seed.

BlackBerry says that it has tried to address the problems caused by the leaked app throughout the day, but to no avail, requiring it to halt its launch plans. The company says that those that have already downloaded the iOS version of the app will still be able to use it, but it will not be releasing it to any new markets at this time. The leaked version of the Android app will be disabled.

Blackberry now plans a “staggered country roll-out” for Android and will soon restart the rollout for iOS. The company was hesitant in giving a timelinefor this new rollout, only saying

our teams continue to work around the clock to bring BBM to Android and iPhone, but only when it’s ready and we know it will live up to your expectations of BBM.”

The company’s official statement is below:

Prior to launching BBM for Android, an unreleased version of the BBM for Android app was posted online. The interest and enthusiasm we have seen already – more than 1.1 million active users in the first 8 hours without even launching the official Android app – is incredible. Consequently, this unreleased version caused issues, which we have attempted to address throughout the day.

Our teams continue to work around the clock to bring BBM to Android and iPhone, but only when it’s ready and we know it will live up to your expectations of BBM. We are pausing the global roll-out of BBM for Android and iPhone. Customers who have already downloaded BBM for iPhone will be able to continue to use BBM. The unreleased Android app will be disabled, and customers who downloaded it should visit www.BBM.com to register for updates on official BBM for Android availability.

As soon as we are able, we will begin a staggered country roll-out of BBM for Android and continue the roll-out of BBM for iPhone. Please follow @BBM on Twitter for the latest updates and go to www.BBM.com to sign-up for updates about BBM for Android and iPhone. These issues have not impacted BBM service for BlackBerry.

September 22, 2013
Apple iPhone 5S Goes on Sale- shipping delayed to October

Apple’s 2013 iPhone the iPhone 5S has gone on sale in various markets including the US, if the online version is not available a Apple Store App will be the best way to buy as did we. The iPhone 5s is available in 3 colors and 3 size variants. The Unlocked option is the best one to go for if you are not from the US. Prices range from US $ 649 for 16GB and US $ 849 for 64 GB plus taxes for the unlocked variant.

Although Shipping for the phones has been moved to october its still possibly the best and fastest way to get one. If you already own an iPhone 4s or 5 iOS 7 went live yesterday and all supported devices can now download the OS, to get a better taste of whats to come.

September 20, 2013
iOS 7 Download is Live, Get Links here !
Apple iOS 7 download is now live for a vast variety of iDevices including iPad’s, iPhone’s and iPod’s . As always, the new iOS is available as an over-the-air update (go to the Settings menu on your iPhone (4, 4S, 5), iPad (iPad 2 and newer), and iPod touch (fifth-generation only) and navigate to General > Software Update) or a direct download from iTunes.

Also since the whole world is probably busy updating their devices, the links below may help those who are unable to download directly from Apple.
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September 19, 2013
Hands On : Sony Rs. 14990 SmartWatch 2 is lesson Samsung could use
In a massive blow to competition, Sony has launched the new SmartWatch 2 in India for a price of Rs. 14990. The Smart Watch 2 is an upgrade to Sony’s last generation of watch, aka the SmartWatch and adds a series of fixes and upgrades to the previous version.

SmartWatch 2 comes with a bigger 1.6-inch screen with higher resolution 220×176 pixels resolution, compared to the 1.3-inch screen 128×128 display on its predecessor. Sony has left out frills of the Samsung Gear out of the SmartWatch making it a companion device, allowing you to interact with your smartphone to the extent of notifications and data exchange. Although the SmartWatch 2 does not take phone calls and does not click images, it is considerably cheaper than Samsung’s pitch.

SmartWatch 2 just like the original SmartWatch lets you get updates from networks, Notifications, calls, email, Facebook or Twitter, Calendar, or use it as a remote for your Walkman app. The SmartWatch 2 comes pre loaded with a set of applications but more can be downloaded from the Sony store.

Apps allow several new features for the Sony SmartWatch2:
- Take a photo remotely with the smart camera app.
- Control your presentations remotely using Presentation Pal.
- Runtastic app allows to map and instantly track your fitness.
- Read previously downloaded e-mails when not connected to your phone.
- Control your music player.
Sony has continued their IP57 certification tradition with the SmartWatch 2 making it water and dust proof and a highly usable accessory. Sony has also one upped Samsung in making the watch face visible even when the display is off and allowing a battery life of upto a week on the SmartWatch 2.

The SmartWatch 2 as an accessory will work with any mobile phone with Bluetooth 4.0 or above and will work across mobile platforms on Android and iOS, another feature that the Galaxy Gear lacked.

Although two major elements (Phone call capability and image capture) are missing from the SmartWatch 2, it offers a more practical solution with a usable setup, the SmartWatch 2 is more flexible, compatible across platforms and durable.

So which one will you pick? The Galaxy Gear for Rs. 22990 or the SmartWatch 2 for Rs. 14990?

Stay tuned for our hands on video.

Related :

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September 18, 2013
Hands on with the Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear

Samsung today launched two new devices for the Indian market, the Note 3 and the Galaxy Gear smart watch. Both devices intended for higher end segment of the consumer market, keeping the word “premium” prevalent throughout the launch event.

The Galaxy Note 3 is the third iteration smart phone in the Note series of devices in the Samsung Galaxy stable, and keeps up with the yearly enhancements. In India the Note 3 is priced at a hefty Rs. 49900. for the 32GB variant. Major changes include a 5.7 inch Super AMOLED with a 1920x1080p resolution, a 13 MP rear camera and new enhanced SPen functions : including Air Command, an on-screen portal to four specific features Action Memo, Scrapbook, Screen Write, S Finder and Pen Window. There’s also a new and improved Multi Window feature, which now allows for data sharing and interaction between apps.

The over build quality appears to have been improved thanks to a warmer-feel back panel, which unfortunately on the inside remains completely plastic. The new S Pen is also sleeker and appears to have been redesigned. The phone is practically as big as the Galaxy Note 2, so really no difference in size, but you do see a difference in screen size and overall usable display real estate.

India gets the restricted version of the Galaxy Note 3 with the Exynos chipset which restricts a lot of features like 4K video recording and LTE connectivity. The only version available in India will have a 32GB storage, while the company also claimed that no other variants will be officially available.

The Galaxy Gear has a definitive mind changing appeal, the series of images and digital renders by Samsung have failed to show the real feel of the Galaxy Gear. That being said the concept of an added wearable product is still young, and what the market is looking for is a real device not a tethered accessory. The Galaxy Gear is available for a strange price of Rs. 22990, which puts it above the most required space. Most people will be happier buying second devices rather than go in for a Bluetooth Accessory .

Check out the images below and stay tuned for our hands on video, along with unboxing and reviews coming shortly.

New S -Pen

Note 3 White

September 17, 2013