Author: Bharat Nagpal

HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio Review

The HTC Sensation XE has been a low baller in India, especially because it was launched soon after the Sensation, added only minor improvements that made major differences. Here is our review.

Build Quality

The Sensation XE, just like is predecessor, is built in a unibody fashion, with a sold structure and aluminum back panel with rubber edges. The front of the device has an outward curved gorilla glass which is shatter and scratch resistant. The HTC Sensation XE is superbly built and will last a lifetime by designers who took everything into perspective from the aesthetics to the functionality and the intelligent placement of the buttons – which by the way are extremely tactile and responsive.

Specs

There is no questioning the latest hardware in the Sensation XE, the latest dual core processors a very high resolution screen, functional 8 megapixel camera with full HD video at 1080p not to forget the added Beats by Dre audio.

DESIGN

The Sensation XE is still the Range Rover that the original sensation was, you can infact say this is a higher end model, especially because it does not add any changes to aesthetics except the obvious beats branding and the red accents.

PHONE AND MESSAGING

Just like the original Sensation we got superior audio in and out during calls. The network performance was excellent and sustained throughout our test period. 3G and WCDMA performance excelled in the Sensation XE. The XE also continues the standard that the Sensation set as being the best in phone networks on our list of devices. Over all impressive.

The touchscreen on the device is same as the original Sensation, allowing 4 point interaction, what that means is that you can have 4 simultaneous inputs. What it also means is that you can use the onboard keyboard as fast as you can move your thumbs. This allows for really fast messaging and the keyboard has nice and large keys considering that the Sense keyboard is one of the most coveted Android keyboards yet.

Beats Audio + Multimedia

The Sensation XE not only features a Beats audio processing engine but also has one of the best included earphones/headphones with a smartphone. The iBeats come with a uniquely distinctive carry pouch and also have online microphone and remote for audio control. While you can’t compare the quality of audio to high end standalone headphones, these uniquely stand out far above normally included ones. Offering good, deep bass and excellent vocals. The device also instantly detects the iBeats, once plugged in, and activates the beats audio profile.

The screen is a brilliant qHD Screen with a native resolution of 540 x 960 px, large enough to put any phone to shame, not considering of course the Galaxy Note and likes. The screen is also no Amoled or Super-Amoled display so don’t expect it to be as vivid. But watching movies, reading text and playing games is great on this device. The Beats audio improves the overall multimedia experience a lot, making movies, music and just plain old videos sound better.

The camera is an 8MP snapper the same from the Sensation, it captures stunning pictures and great full HD video. The camera app comes with a lot of features in the standard HTC style, which allows for a lot of tweaks to be made by the photographer at hand. On the front is a lowly VGA camera which offers decent VOIP capabilities and no video calling.

BATTERY LIFE

Values	2G	3G	WiFi
Talk Time	unto 9.5 Hours	5 hours	–
Standby time	48 Hours	30 hours	7 Days
Web Browsing	8-9 hours	5 hours	5 Hours
Video Streaming	4.5 Hours	3 Hours	4 Hours
Music Streaming	15 hours	10 hours	14 hours

In certain cases we saw improvement in the battery management on the Sensation XE compared to that of the HTC Sensation.

Conclusion

Although not a major improvement over the Sensation, in terms of looks and performance, the little add-on definitely make a big difference. The processor bump to 1.5GHz improves overall device performance and does not affect battery life. The beats audio improves the overall experience of the device and the earphone make an excellent add on. The device is robust, well made and is built to impress, a definite up above the competition.

[xrr rating=4.5/5 label=”We Rate The Sensation : ” imageset=shiny_yellow_star display_as=fraction_stars]

Price Rs. 32,599/-

Videos

Review Video

December 23, 2011

Apple patent suggests fuel cell powered MacBooks

Apple has filed for a new Patent that would allow for new MacBooks to go on for days and weeks without requiring a charge. This new technology would also allow for Cupertino’s new laptops to be slimmer and lighter. Apple has filed for a patent indicating that hydrogen fuel cells would be used to send and receive power from a battery to power a laptop computer. Apple also admits in this patent that the company is developing a product which is small enough and cheap enough to be placed in one of their laptops will be a challenge.

December 23, 2011
Chrome 15 now the worlds most popular browser, IE 8 bites the dust (Report)

According to a new report from StatCounter,Chrome 15 recently reached a total global market share of 23.6% compared to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 market share of 23.5%. IE is still the most popular browser if all versions of the Browser are added. Chrome 14 and 15 are said to be most popular of chrome version and possibly the reason of this overtake. Microsoft and their IE team is banking hard on the push they want to receive from IE9 and IE10, possibly to remain strong. If that does not hold true, chrome may not be far away from global victory. check out the full report below

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Chrome 15 Becomes World’s Most Popular Browser

Boston, USA; Dublin, Ireland; Thursday, 15th December, 2011: Google’s Chrome 15 has become the most popular web browser version worldwide for the first time on a weekly basis, according to StatCounter, the free website analytics company. The firm’s research arm StatCounter Global Stats reports that in the last full week in November, Chrome 15 took 23.6% of the worldwide market compared to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 at 23.5%. If one aggregates all versions then IE still leads the global market with Chrome in second position, having overtaken Firefox in November.

“Google announced Chrome for business exactly a year ago and IT administrators appear to have embraced it in a remarkably short time,” commented Aodhan Cullen, CEO, StatCounter. “Looking at the daily stats, Chrome 14 and 15 have been overtaking IE8 at weekends since the beginning of October. However, Chrome 15 overtook IE8 for the first time during the five day working week, in week commencing 5th December. It looks as if people favour Chrome on weekends at home but office commercial use has now caught up.”

In the US Internet Explorer 8 continues to be the most popular browser version with 27.0% for week commencing 5th December compared to 18.1% for Chrome 15. However, in the UK Chrome 15 overtook IE8 in the week commencing November 7th. Last week (commencing 5th December) Chrome 15 had 24.7% in the UK compared to IE8 on 21.1%.

StatCounter Global Stats are based on aggregate data collected on a sample exceeding 15 billion page views per month (4 billion from the US) from the StatCounter network of more than three million websites.

As well as free web research, StatCounter (http://statcounter.com/) provides free web analytics. This allows website owners, developers and bloggers to capture valuable intelligence on their site in real time including number of visitors, visitors by country/region, search terms, popular pages, download stats, exit links and other data.

In September StatCounter announced its new website with added features.

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December 23, 2011
Autogyaan : 2012 Honda Crosstour might be coming to India

Honda is planning to bring its Sedan/SUV crossover, the Crosstour, to India, when they release the next 2012 model. The vehicle based on the Accord platform also drops the “Accord” badge in the 2012 model. The V6 variant will not be available in India, but the company plans to bring the 192-horsepower four-cylinder engine equipped version.. The four-cylinder is capable 9.4 l/100 km combined mileage. The Crosstour comes in a front-wheel drive only option is is ideal for in city / highway driving.

The base Crosstour EX includes automatic on/off headlights, backup camera, Bluetooth and a USB port as standard equipment. But, we are not sure if the same equipment will be brought to India. Pricing still remains unknown.

December 22, 2011
Apple awarded patent for in-call App switching, readies the biggest lawsuit yet

Apple has been awarded a patent for a “portable electronic device with graphical user interface supporting application switching.”, this is going to be the company’s biggest win. What this basically means is that Apple has been awarded a patent for a SmartPhone. All brands and all manufacturers will fall under the knife of Apple’s lawyers. This will put and end to all legal battles that the company has with HTC and Samsung.

Of course the patent is worded very vaguely and covers almost all devices that allow you to switch between applications when on a call. This most definitely covers Android and WinPho devices if not Blackberry and Symbian. Apple should be already sharpening its knives to slaughter the entire opposition.

[USPTO]

December 21, 2011
Apple acquires Anobit for $500 million, will set up R&D in Israel

Apple has consumed yet another piece of the puzzle in a bid to have all in-house manufacturing. Apple uses all Nand Flash storage in their iDevices, including iPod, iPad and the iPhone, an acquisition of a company that manufacturers this storage was an obvious step from the self sustained giant. Apple has bought Anobit for a straight sum of US $ 500 million, with aims to lower costs and improve efficiency in their manufacturing process.

[threecol_one_last]

“Welcome to Israel, Apple Inc. on your [first] acquisition here. I’m certain that you’ll benefit from the fruit of the Israeli knowledge.”

[/threecol_one_last][threecol_two_last]

Apple is also planning to set up its first off-US Research & Development lab in Israel, with no confirmations from either sides of the deal. Apple is expected to come clean in its next financial report, where it shall disclose billions of dollars in earnings and some million spending.

[/threecol_two_last]

December 21, 2011
Firefox gets updated to 9, faster Javascript and Lion compatibility added. links

Firefox browser has been updated to version 9. This version offers better compatibility on Mac computers running on Mac Lion 10.7, and a faster and juiced up Javascript handling. This is set to improve overall browsing speeds on the browser. Mozilla is claiming a overall 30% boost in performance post the JavaScript optimizations. Firefox 9 also improves theme integration and swipe navigation for Mac OS X users. Want to take it for a test spin ? Download your version below

[Mozilla Windows]

[Mac]

[Linux]

December 20, 2011
Exclusive : Micromax to drop the price of A85 Superfone to Rs. 15290/- in India

Micromax is going to drop the price of its Dual Core Nvidia Tegra 2 powered Superfone to Rs.15290/- all inclusive for a special holiday offer. This is going to be possibly the best device to get in the 15k mark after the price drop which is all set to happen today.

If you have not already seen our videos on the device you can check them out below.

December 20, 2011
Nokia Lumia arrives, boosts Windows Phone sales throughout the board.

Since the massive AD campaign by Nokia for the Lumia series and limited availability, Windows Phone 7.5 based devices have seen a massive boost across the board of HTC and grey market Samsung devices. ConsumerReports states that there has been a 40 % boost in sales of HTC Radar since the announcement of Nokia Lumia devices.

A major cause of this is the high price and almost no stock of the units, Nokia has pushed devices to Nokia priority dealers and are selling the Lumia phones at MRP. With still a few days till stock arrives at major retailers, Samsung is all set to announce the Omnia W today. Lets see if Nokia is actually able to turn around the Windows Phone OS in the Indian market.

December 19, 2011
Google Begins Updating the Nexus S to Ice Cream Sandwich

Got yourself a curvalicious Nexus S? Then you might fancy yourself a Ice Cream Sandwich. According to a tweet from the GoogleNexus team early last night, Google will now begin pushing ICS updates to lucky Nexus S owners. The information was also available on Goole+

[threecol_one]“We’re rolling out Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, to GSM/UMTS Nexus S devices over the coming month, starting today”[/threecol_one]

[threecol_two_last]The Nexus S is among the first phones to officially get the ICS update. Google has also made note that the Nexus One may also get ICS down the line.[/threecol_two_last]

[Read]

December 17, 2011
Hands on with the Spice Mi 350n, Dual sim & Android 2.3 at Rs 8000

Spice has just announced a tackle to its competitor, priced at just Rs. 8000, (Rs. 300 cheaper if you buy from their online E-commerce website). The device features a 2 point touch 3.5 inch capacitive screen with a resolution of 320 x 480 px. The processor is a 650MHz Mediatek M6573 with what they claim a 200MHz GPU ( say what?). with 512MB Rom and 256MB RAM this device seems like a good alternative to the dual sim android we unboxed a few days ago.

The battery is a 1400 mah pack, and Spice claims that the device has good battery management. The camera is a 3.2 MP autofocus camera at the back without any flashlight. The front camera is a VGA camera but there is Video call over 3G, so its a plus point. The device is chunkier than the A75 and a little less attractive as well. The back cover although metal is very fiddly. And we got a quick hands on video at announcement, before we do an actual unboxing. What we do know is that in-ear headphones + mic and button are included instead of standard ones. check out the images and subscribe to iGyaanTV as the video goes up shortly

December 16, 2011
App A Day : Asphalt 6 Adrenaline Free on iOS for today : iPad, iPod & iPhone

Shocker : Gameloft has made Asphalt Adrenaline 6 full version free for 24 hours on the App Store. The game is one of the most played games on both Android and iOS platforms. You can even take on friends in Online and Local Multiplayer mode for up to 6 racers. The game is only free for today so make sure you get it before the offer runs out.

The total download is 515.4 MB so make sure you have a decent connection.

[Download here]

December 16, 2011
AutoGyaan : 2013 Mercedes Benz SL550 is lighter and more robust

Mercedes is all set to launch a newer sixth generation Mercedes Benz SL, dubbed the 2013 SL- 550 and SL-350. This new revision will begin production early next year to make up for deliveries early summer 2012.

The SL550, which will begin shipping first, will be powered by Mercedes’ new 4.7-liter twin-turbo V-8, giving out 429 hp at 5250 rpm, 516 lb-ft at 1800. It will come with a standard 7 speed Auto-Transmission along with Start/Stop functionality. The company promises 0-to-60-mph time of 4.5 which is almost a second faster than the existing SL550. This improvement comes courtesy the all Aluminum body in a series-production model, which makes it 275 pounds lighter. The car is also slightly larger than its current version, adding 1.4 inches length, 2.2 inches width, and rides on a 1-inch-longer wheelbase.

The front styling is indicative of the SL lineup, it however adds the new LED day running lights and matte paint options. The Glass roof which was earlier optional willow come standard and dropping some serious dough will get you the Magic Sky Control, which is an electrochromic glass panel that can go from nearly translucent to opaque at the touch of a button. The roof is set on a magnesium frame.

For safety and security, the vehicle will come with Sstainless steel A pillars and roll cage, along with a new design of front impact cavities, also Pre-Safe makes its first appearance in an SL as does Attention Assist which should improve the drivers assist. Active park assist will be available, and the car uses the latest COMAND infotainment system, which features downloadable apps. Great for tech lovers.

The first lot of the SL will be dubbed Edition 1, this version package includes designo gray paint—designo denoting Mercedes’ extra-upscale trimmings—a designo red and black interior with piano black wood trim, an upgraded Harman/Kardon surround-sound stereo, the Airscarf neck warmer, and 19-inch AMG wheels.

Ready to pre book?

December 16, 2011
AutoGyaan : Hyundai to reveal all new i-oniq concept at Geneva Auto show 2012

Hyundai is all set to ramp up its new line up of cars with what they call the new “fluidic sculpture,” but before they can include any of that in their new lineup they want to tease buyers with a preview of the concept. Hyundai has released a stylized teaser image of what it’s calling the i-oniq concept, which will premier at the 2012 Geneva auto show. This same structure is to follow through on the new Sonata, Elantra and US only i30 Hatchback. More information is promised to be made available once the Auto show nears.

December 16, 2011
Corsair Vengeance series gaming gear arrives with Mice and Keyboards (PR)

Corsair has finally started shipment of their Vengeance series gaming mice and keyboards to their vendors worldwide. The Vengeance K60 and Vengeance K90 gaming keyboards and the Vengeance M60 and Vengeance M90 laser gaming mice are shipping out for the holiday season.

The Vengeance K90 gaming keyboard has an MSRP in the United States of $129 and the K60 has an MSRP of $109. The Vengeance M90 gaming mouse has an MSRP of $79 and the M60 has an MSRP of $69. Add shipping and duties for Indian pricing.

[toggle title_open=”Press Release” title_closed=”Press Release” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Corsair Announces Retail Availability of New Vengeance Gaming Keyboards and Laser Gaming Mice
– The new Corsair Vengeance gaming peripherals line focuses on high performance and meeting the unique needs of PC gamers –

FREMONT, California – December 15th, 2011 – Corsair®, a worldwide designer and supplier of high-performance components to the PC gaming hardware market, today announced immediate retail availability of their new line of Vengeance® PC gaming peripherals.

Corsair’s new PC gaming peripherals line includes four new HID products: The Vengeance K60 and Vengeance K90 gaming keyboards and the Vengeance M60 and Vengeance M90 laser gaming mice. A key feature of all four of these new Vengeance Series products is the use of an aluminum structure to provide strength and durability, as well as a stunning industrial design.

“We’re hardcore gamers ourselves, and with the new Corsair Vengeance line, we’ve developed precisely the products we always wanted.” said Ruben Mookerjee, VP and General Manager of the Components Business Unit at Corsair. “They’re carefully designed to give you the competitive edge you need to win.”

Vengeance K60 and M60: Designed For First-Person Shooters

The Vengeance K60 gaming keyboard and the Vengeance M60 laser gaming mouse are designed for PC Gamers who specialize in First-Person Shooters (FPS). The Vengeance K60 keyboard features the predictable linear response and light touch of Cherry® MX Red mechanical key switches for more agile movement and faster multi-taps. The contoured left-wrist rest plus shaped and textured WASD key caps increase comfort, even during extended gaming sessions. The K60 uses an advanced key matrix design that delivers complete anti-ghosting so no keystrokes are missed. Unlike other USB gaming keyboards that are limited to the USB-standard 6-key rollover, the K60 features a 20-key rollover and a blazing fast 1ms reporting rate (1000 reports per second).

The Vengeance M60 mouse features an enthusiast-grade 5700 DPI Avago Technologies LaserStream™ gaming sensor with on-the-fly resolution switching, an aluminum unibody design with adjustable center of gravity, programmable lift detection, a high-mass scroll wheel, and PTFE glide pads. A key innovation of the M60 mouse is the Sniper button, allowing an instant toggle from fast movement, high DPI-resolution mode down to a high-precision mode for more accurate aiming.

Vengeance K90 and Vengeance M90: Designed For MMO and RTS Gaming

The Vengeance K90 gaming keyboard and M90 laser gaming mouse are optimized to meet the unique needs of MMO and RTS gaming. The Vengeance K90 keyboard also features Cherry MX Red key switches, full anti-ghosting, 20-key rollover, 1ms reporting rate, and each key is individually backlit with a cool blue LED that can be adjusted to three different levels of intensity. The K90 also includes 18 dedicated macro keys that can be programmed either through software or on the fly, and with three user-selectable banks of macros you have a total of 54 independent macros available at any time. Your macros are stored in flash memory on the keyboard so you’ll be able to bring them with you wherever your gaming takes you.

The Vengeance M90 gaming mouse features 15 fully programmable buttons, arranged and tuned for intuitive operation without compromising your grip, and on-board flash memory lets you save your macros in up to six profiles that can be switched on-the-fly. The Avago Technologies 5700 DPI LaserStream gaming sensor allows on-the-fly resolution adjustment and the programmable lift detection, high-mass scroll wheel, and PTFE glide pads ensure swift, precise movement. The intuitive Windows-based Vengeance software utility lets you manage your macro keys, on-board profiles, and sensor settings so you can customize your M90 to exactly match your gaming style.

Pricing and Availability

The Vengeance K90 gaming keyboard has an MSRP in the United States of $129 and the K60 has an MSRP of $109. The Vengeance M90 gaming mouse has an MSRP of $79 and the M60 has an MSRP of $69.

The full range of Vengeance gaming peripherals is available from authorized Corsair retailers and etailers worldwide. To get the full story on our new Vengeance gaming keyboards and laser gaming mice, please visit:

http://www.corsair.com/vengeance-gaming.html[/toggle]

December 16, 2011