Author: Bharat Nagpal

MSI releases R6850-PMD1GD5 Graphics card equipped with 8cm PWM fan

MSI has released the R6850-PMD1GD5 graphics card with MSI afterburner support for over clocking or core and memory. The card features an 8cm PWM fan that is able to generate more airflow to dissipate GPU’s heat. The card also supports unto three independent displays thanks to the AMD Eyefinity technology. The card is made up of completely solid capacitors.

Tech Specs Include:

Model Name	V244
GPU	AMD Radeon HD 6850
Codename	Barts Pro
Stream Processors	960 Units
Core Clock	775 MHz
Memory Clock	4000 MHz
Memory Size	1GB GDDR5
Memory Bus	256 bits
Output	DisplayPort / HDMI / DVI
TDP	150 W
Card Dimension	226 x 115 x 37mm
Form Factor	ATX
DirectX	11
OpenGL	4.1
AVIVO HD	Y
CrossFireX	Y
Eyefinity	Y
PowerPlay	Y
HDCP	Y

There is no information available on pricing yet.

November 7, 2011

Google is scared of Siri says Eric Schmidt

Google’s Eric Schmidttold a Senate subcommittee recently that he believes Apple’s Siri technology poses a threat to Google in the search market.

As I noted this past June, my statement last September was clearly wrong. The Internet is dynamic and has changed significantly. The importance of social networking to consumers’ online experience has changed remarkably-even over the past year. Consumers are looking for answers when they conduct searches online, and social search has become a serious competitor in helping people find those answers online. Similarly, Apple’s Siri is a significant development-a voice-activated means of accessing answers through iPhones that demonstrates the innovations in search. The tech industry is one of the most competitive and dynamic spaces in the entire economy, with small companies as well as larger companies competing hardagainst each other in lots of areas. Google has many strong competitors and we sometimes fail to anticipate
the competitive threat posed by new methods of accessing information. We compete against a broader arrayof companies than most people realize, including general search engines.

-Eric Schmidt

Eric Schmidt was answering questions posed in the Antitrust hearing, acknowledging that fact that Siri is a hugely viable competitor as a search engine.

November 7, 2011
iG Exclusive : Micromax A85 SuperPhone Hands On (Video)

This is one of those moments that makes you feel proud. We got an exclusive hands on with the new upcoming Micromax A85 Super Phone, and we are happy to say the device is quite impressive. The overall specs mentioned in our earlier rumors match with the actual final device. The screen on the Micromax A85 is a Gorilla Glass coated, 3.8 inch 480×800 pixel display which has vivid color composition. The device also has a muti-touch surface and importantly is based on the Nvidia Tegra 2 Processor with 1GHz dual core chipset and a dedicated GPU (Geforce8). The overall interface of the device is quite smooth and Micromax for once has done some unique customizations to the Android Build.

Android on this device is still however 2.2 (froyo) but the company insider promises that the Android 2.3 build is already-ready and undergoing testing. We are keeping our fingers crossed with that. The interface has a unique mix of apps and widgets with an option of multiple launchers from the initial rom. The device also features Gesture control which can be seen in a limited number of inbuilt applications such as Email, messaging, contacts, etc. The gesture controls can be used to navigate through the picture gallery and play/pause and forward/rewind in the music /video players. The gestures main use will come into the phone app with which you can answer or silence incoming calls, and with the wave of your hand you can put the phone into Speakerphone mode while in a call.

The device scored well in our initial hands on, as we also got a chance to add some benchmark apps and run them to get mighty impressive scores, which you will be able to see in the upcoming video shortly. The device is Micromax’s first attempt in the Rs. 15,000+ handset market and it seems like Micromax choose the right device. The initial impressions with the speaker and the video playback were impressive. The “Intelligent Illumination” camera was also fast to focus and click pictures even in dim lighting. The price of the phone is expected around the 18-19K mark ,but we are hoping for a drop soon after launch.

Check out our flurry of first hands on images below, and stay tuned for the complete video after the break.

Hands On Videos

November 4, 2011
Canon launches full frame C300 cinema camera

If you wanted to be a movies man and had a chunk of US$20000 to spend where, would you go? Look no further , Cannon has launched the new C300 Cinema camera to take on the likes of RED Epic and Alexa. The camera features EF or PL mount, 1080p capture, a pair of CF card slots, timecode and HD-SDI output.

It contains a Super 35mm CMOS sensor and delivers up to 4K resolution with Canon’s new “top-end” EF zoom lenses : two 14.5-60mm lenses and two 30-300mm.with three EF prime lenses in 24mm, 50mm, and 85mm variations. That CMOS sensor offers 1920 x 1080 pixels for the reds and blues and 1920 x 2160 for greens. Read the press release below for the full low down.

[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”]A Star Is Born: Canon Launches New Digital Cinema Camera For High-Resolution Motion Picture Production

HOLLYWOOD, California, November 3, 2011/TOKYO, November 4, 2011 – Canon Inc. and Canon U.S.A., Inc. today raised the curtain on an all-new interchangeable-lens digital cinema camera that combines exceptional imaging performance with outstanding mobility and expandability to meet the demanding production needs of today’s motion picture industry. The camera, which features a newly developed Super 35 mm-equivalent approximately 8.29-megapixel CMOS sensor, will be available in two models: the EOS C300 Digital Cinema Camera*, equipped with an EF lens mount for compatibility with Canon’s current diverse lineup of interchangeable EF lenses for EOS single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras and new EF Cinema Lens lineup; and the EOS C300 PL Digital Cinema Camera*, with a PL lens mount for use with industry-standard PL lenses.

The introduction of the EOS C300/C300 PL coincides with the launch of the Cinema EOS System, marking Canon’s full-fledged entry into the digital high-resolution production industry. The new professional digital cinematography system spans the lens, digital cinema camera and digital SLR camera product categories.

Star-Studded Supporting Cast
Equipped with an EF lens mount, the EOS C300 is supported by an all-star cast of high-performance EF lenses, not only the wide array of interchangeable EF lenses for EOS SLR cameras that have earned the trust and respect of photographers around the world, but also the EF cinema lenses in the newly announced Cinema EOS System. When outfitted with a Canon EF lens, the C300’s peripheral illumination correction automatically corrects for vignetting in accordance with each lens’s optical characteristics, and enables iris control from the camera. Canon EF lenses also enable the recording of such metadata as the name of the lens used, aperture setting and shutter speed.i

Show-Stopping High-Resolution Full-HD Performance
The Canon EOS C300/C300 PL’s newly developed Super 35 mm-equivalent CMOS sensor incorporates approximately 8.29 million effective pixels and has a pixel size that is larger than that for conventional professional camcorders, enabling greater light-gathering capabilities for enhanced sensitivity and reduced noise. The sensor reads Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) video signals for each of the three RGB primary colors, decreasing the incidence of moiré while realizing high resolution with 1,000 horizontal TV lines.

Supported by a heightened signal read-out speed, the CMOS sensor reduces rolling shutter skews, a phenomenon prevalent with CMOS sensors in which fast-moving subjects may appear diagonally distorted. Additionally, the powerful combination of the sensor with Canon’s high-performance DIGIC DV III image processor facilitates high-precision gamma processing and smooth gradation expression.

In addition to MPEG-2 Full HD (MPEG2 422@HL compliant) compression, the EOS C300/C300 PL employs 4:2:2 color sampling for high-resolution performance that minimizes the appearance of “jaggies” at chroma edges. Additionally, with a maximum recording rate of 50 Mbps, the camera supports the recording of high-quality video.

The camera’s video and audio recording file format adopts the industry-standard MXF (Material eXchange Format), an open source file format ideally suited for non-linear editing systems. Recording to versatile, readily available CF cards, the EOS C300/C300 PL realizes high cost-performance and, equipped with two CF card slots, makes possible the simultaneous recording of video data to two CF cards.

Ready for Action
With a compact body design measuring 5.2 (w) x 7.0 (h) x 6.7 (d) inches, the Canon EOS C300/C300 PL delivers exceptional maneuverability, enabling shooting from vantage points all but inaccessible to large cinema cameras, such as close to the ground for high-impact low-angle shots, and alongside walls. In accordance with on-location shooting needs, the camera can be outfitted with a handle, grip, thumb rest and monitor unit, and offers an array of industry-standard terminals, including HD/SD-SDI video output for the external recording of high-quality video content. When using a WFT-E6B wireless file transmitter for EOS digital SLR cameras (sold separately), the EOS C300/C300 PL can be controlled remotely by means of such common devices as smartphones or tablet PCs.

The camera is equipped with four start/stop buttons positioned at various locations to satisfy any preferred camera-holding style, and can be outfitted with a variety of third-party accessories, including matte boxes, follow focuses and external video and audio recorders. The unit also achieves seamless integration with third-party editing systems and provides added peace of mind through its dust-proof, drip-proof construction and built-in cooling system.

The new camera allows users to adjust image quality to match that of professional camcorders and EOS-series digital SLR cameras, and offers Canon Log Gamma, enabling flat image quality with subdued contrast and sharpness for maximum freedom in post-production editing and processing. In addition to frame rates of 59.41i, 50.00i, 29.97P, 25.00P and 23.98P, the EOS C300/C300 PL features a 24.00p mode, matching the 24 frame-per-second frame rate of film cameras for high compatibility with common film-production workflows.

Other features include fast-motion shooting, achieved by capturing fewer frames per second to create action up to 60x normal speed, and slow-motion down to 1/2.5xii made possible by capturing more frames per second. Frame rates between 1 and 60 frames per second (fps)iii can be adjusted in increments of 1 fps. Additionally, a selection of Custom Pictures lets users freely adjust image quality for greater control over how content looks.

Pricing and availability
The Canon EOS C300 (EF mount) digital cinema camera is scheduled to be available in late January 2012 for an estimated list price of $20,000. The Canon EOS C300 PL (PL mount) digital cinema camera is scheduled to be available in late March 2012 for an estimated list price of $20,000.

For more information and to view online demonstration footage of the new products please visit: www.canoncinemaeos.com

About Canon Inc.
Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leader in the fields of professional and consumer imaging equipment and information systems. Canon’s extensive range of products includes copying machines, inkjet and laser printers, cameras, video equipment, medical equipment and semiconductor-manufacturing equipment. Originally established in 1937 as Precision Optical Industry, Co., Ltd., a camera manufacturer, Canon has successfully diversified and globalized to become a worldwide industry leader in professional and consumer imaging systems and solutions. With over 195,000 employees worldwide, Canon has manufacturing and marketing subsidiaries in Japan, the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania; and a global R&D network with companies based in the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia. Canon’s consolidated net sales for fiscal 2010 (ended December 31, 2010) totalled $45.8 billion (at an exchange rate of ¥81 = US$1). Visit the Canon Inc. website at: www.canon.com

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With more than $45 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks fourth overall in patent holdings in the U.S. in 2010†, and is one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies in 2011. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.[/toggle]

November 4, 2011
Internet Explorer share dips to 50%, marks the end of a legacy?

The Microsoft Internet explorer has been the most popular browser since forever, it still is. But its share has rapidly dipped from the 95% high seven years ago to around 50% and dipping. The market is more attuned now to using new age browsers like Chrome and Firefox, which are much more flexible to the users needs. According to Net Marketshare’s latest report the browser has dipped to its all time low and is expected to dip further by the end of the year. The browser is still the highest used, but the gap is quickly decreasing with Firefox now owning 23% and Chrome sustaining a large 19% chunk of the market pie.

November 3, 2011
Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000 Launched in India at Rs. 34,990

The Galaxy Note has been launched in India for a price of 34,990/- at market price and will go on sale starting today. The first 100,000 buyers will get a complementary leather pouch with their device. The device features the worlds first 1.4 GHz Dual core processor and also the worlds first 5.3″ display on a Smartphone. The device features a Smart Pen which lets you bring back the memories of olden days with a modern twist, the Pen can be used to live annotate and edit files, draw, sketch etc all on the Galaxy Note. The company is pitching it as a replacement for a Tablet and a Phone and unifying the market. The price seems a bit high and expect it to fall under 30K pretty soon. Check out the specs below and wait for our exclusive hands on video.

To sum it up we have a 5.3 inch display, a 1.4 GHz dual core processor, 16GB storage, 32GB expandable a 8 megapixel camera at back and a 2MP in the front. We also get an impressive stylus and a beautiful screen and a 2500 mah battery pack .

Live Blog Here

And Our First Hands On Here

November 2, 2011
First Hands on with The Galaxy Note GT-N7000 in India : Pre-Launch

We got our hands on the large size Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000 pre-launch in India. The event is about to begin and our initial impressions are mixed, the device is ver very big. The device is quite a middle point between a Tablet and a Smartphone and is pretty comfortable for its size. The display even though is 5.3 inches is very crisp with a Super Amoled screen. The device remains very slim and fares almost close to the iPhone 4S at just 9.65mm. The Note is possibly the first smartphone you will enjoy using a stylus on, the precision of the point is great. The Stylus is also a great sketch and edit instrument and you will actually use it a lot if you get this device.

The stylus does not work with other screens and not at all with the iPhone (trust us we tested). The device fits into the pockets of your denim in a very uncomfortable fashion, but would do well for a coat/blazer pocket (for those corporate types). Check out our hands on images below and stay tuned for the full hands on Video by the end of the day. The camera is a pretty good snapper and we have attached a bunch of samples we got from it including an indoor 1080p video which should go up by the end of the day.

To sum it up we have a 5.3 inch display, a 1.4 GHz dual core processor, 16GB storage, 32GB expandable a 8 megapixel camera at back and a 2MP in the front. We also get an impressive stylus and a beautiful screen a 2500 mah battery pack . So far so good right.

Update : The price is now confirmed at an MRP of INR 34,990/-

November 2, 2011
PlugBug Lets you charge your iPhone/iPod/iPad on your Macbook adapter (PR)

The new PlugBug by Twelve South is an amazing space saving, Macbook power adapter add-on. It lets you utilize your existing Macbook power adapter to charge your iDevices or any other device that charges via a USB port – Tablets and Mobiles alike. The design fits onto the Power adapters plug connector and adds a US type plug, which could be inconvenient for some (including those in India) But that is only a little disadvantage to deal with if you have just one powerpoint. Now the big deal over here is that most people in India would rather buy a 100 Rs. (2 Dollar) Multiplug that would give you not two but three outlets from the same outlet. Especially considering that this badboy costs a pretty steep US $34.99 or about Indian Rs. 1800.

You Decide!

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Meet PlugBug, the iPad/iPhone travel charger that snaps onto your MacBook Power Adapter

Charleston, SC, November 1, 2011 – Twelve South is pleased to unveil PlugBug, an iPad/iPhone wall charger that piggybacks onto a MacBook Power Adapter, allowing you to charge a MacBook and an iPad/iPhone simultaneously from one power outlet. Made to fit all MacBook Power Adapters, PlugBug is available now at twelvesouth.com for $34.99.The ingenious PlugBug connects to all MacBook Power Adapters. Simply snap PlugBug onto a MacBook Power Adapter, in place of the adapter’s AC plug, and you now have one handy device that charges MacBook and iPad or iPhone at the same time, using only one wall outlet. This can be a real lifesaver when you need to charge both before a meeting or – even more stressful – between connecting flights with only one outlet available.

Along with a beautiful design, PlugBug packs 10 powerful watts, charging iPad as fast as technically possible. In fact, many public USB charging stations, like those found in airports, lack the power to charge an iPad. Not only will PlugBug provide the proper charge, it will charge your iPad up to twice as fast as many competing chargers. Now you can carry just one compact PlugBug to charge your iPad or iPhone and leave the other chargers at home, reducing the clutter in your computer bag. Forget about worrying whether or not you remembered your iPad charger – with PlugBug it’s always connected to your MacBook charger. For those times when you only need an iPad charger, you can disconnect PlugBug from your MacBook Power Adapter and still use it as a stand alone device.

Andrew Green, Creative Director at Twelve South, said, “PlugBug is a dream product for us. It improves on MacBook’s own Power Adapter, adds a completely new idea to iPad/iPhone chargers, and it simplifies the lives of die-hard Apple fans – like me – who carry multiple Apple devices wherever they go.”So why is PlugBug red? Noted author and original Mac Evangelist Guy Kawasaki gets credit for the color. When shown an early prototype, Kawasaki insisted PlugBug should carry a show-stopping hue viewable from across the room – or airport. The “Kawasaki Red” PlugBug was born.Those outside the U.S. and Canada can use PlugBug as the perfect U.S. adapter and iPad/iPhone charger. Not only does PlugBug convert any non-U.S. MacBook Power Adapter into a North American-compatible adapter, it also serves as a bonus USB charger for iPad and

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November 2, 2011
Duke Nukem 3D now on Android : Retro Game Gasm

Thats right you are reading this story straight up, no you are not hung over or estranged, Duke Nukem 3D is now available in the Android Marketplace. The mobile version of this classic FPS has hit the Android OS and you can rock this game for Android 1.6 and up. The cost is a mere 0.99 $ and you cant put a price on a game of legends.

Android Market

November 2, 2011
HTC Releases Profit Reports for Quarter 3 profit up 68 percent
HTC has issued its Q3 results and their profits are up by 68%. The total net income rose to $624.6 million this quarter

Revenue rose by 79 percent on the year toaround $4.54 billion

The reasons cited by HTC for this growth are :

“strong brand recognition, leading product portfolio and expanded distribution channels.”

“We aim to lead the way as the smartphone market continues to expand and change rapidly,We pride ourselves on anticipating market and consumer needs and addressing them before they are realized. We are growing rapidly and responsibly around the globe and continue to expand our leadership in new areas, such as LTE.”

– Peter Chou, CEO of HTC.

HTC saw the strongest growth in China where the sales were up nine times, which may also possibly the main reason for the increase in handset shipments, which increased 93 percent over the year, to 13.2 million units.

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PRESS RELEASE

HTC REPORTS 3Q 2011 RESULTS

QUARTERLY REVENUES, NET PROFITS AND EPS ALL HIT NEW HIGHS

Taoyuan, Taiwan, R.O.C. October 31, 2011 – HTC Corporation (“HTC”, or the “Company”, TWSE: 2498), a global leader in smartphone innovation and design, today announced consolidated results of the Company and its subsidiaries for the third quarter of 2011.

3Q Highlights
After-tax profit was NT$18.68bn, up 68% year-on-year; EPS was NT$22.07

Total revenues grew for the sixth consecutive quarter since 1Q 2010 and reached

NT$135.82bn, up 79% year-on-year

Handset shipments totalled 13.2mn units, up 93% year-on-year

ASP was US$344, up 0.6% year-on-year

Gross profit margin and operating margin were both in line with original guidance at 28.0%

and 14.9%, respectively
3Q 2011 Results

HTC’s diverse product offerings, expanded distribution network and growing global brand recognition, have helped the Company deliver a record-high quarterly revenue of NT$135.82bn in the third quarter of 2011, resulting in after-tax earnings of NT$18.68bn and EPS of NT$22.07.

HTC sold 13.2 million smartphones in 3Q 2011: 93% more than the same period last year, and 9% more than the second quarter of this year.

New products launched during 3Q addressed a wide variety of customers and market segments. Co- branded with Beats, HTC Sensation XE and HTC Sensation XL offer a studio-quality experience to consumers. HTC Rhyme bundled a new HTC Sense experience and sleek accessories to create a lifestyle device. The Company expanded its entry-level offerings by launching HTC Explorer into emerging markets, such as India, on the heels of HTC Wildfire’s success. And HTC Titan and HTC Radar were the first smartphones to launch with the new Windows Phone “Mango” platform.

China is one of the most important growth regions for HTC, and China reported top sales growth across all regions this quarter – 9x more than its sales volume in the same period last year. HTC Wildfire has become an iconic, mainstream smartphone in the region, and HTC launched the flagship HTC Sensation into two major operators (China Mobile and China Unicom) networks. Two highly- customized social networking devices – HTC ?? with Sina Weibo and HTC ChaCha with QQ – showed HTC’s strong committment to deepen Chinese comsumers’ experience. The Company aims to capture early brand preference in China, as smartphone penetration is at an early stage.

Operating profit continued to grow from NT$12.40 billion in the same period last year, to NT$20.18 billion this quarter- up 63% year-on-year and 5% quarter-on-quarter – on the back of expansion inoperating scale and increased revenue. HTC is focused on driving economic scale to achieve efficient operating leverage and a healthy operating margin level.
“We aim to lead the way as the smartphone market continues to expand and change rapidly,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC. “We pride ourselves on anticipating market and consumer needs and addressing them before they are realized. We are growing rapidly and responsibly around the globe and continue to expand our leadership in new areas, such as LTE.”

LTE technology is expected to be the next generation wireless communication technology for high- speed data. Since 2009, HTC has maintained its leadership position in 4G, developing and shipping more 4G devices than any other company. An LTE device upgrade cycle is foreseeable in 2012 in both the United States and some advanced markets in Asia (e.g., Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong). HTC is poised to capture an advantage in this market.

In addition to LTE, HTC has invested in delivering innovation to the entry-level smartphone sector. HTC Wildfire has become one of the Company’s top selling products, and the newly-launched HTC Explorer continues to attract first-time smartphone buyers. The Company is committed to drive innovation, not only with high-end LTE devices, but also to the mass market.

Despite uncertainties in the macro-economic environment, HTC believes in its ability to continue to drive strong growth, and is committed to continue investing in marketing, operations and R&D. Going into fourth quarter this year, HTC’s retail presence in China is expected to expand, totaling up to 2,000 outlets. A new factory in Taoyuan is scheduled to complete beginning of next year, which has the potential to increase capacity by up to 40 million units per year. Last but not least, the Company continues its focus on creating global brand preference and emotional connection with customers.

4Q 2011 Outlook

The Company’s outlook for the fourth quarter of 2011 is as follows:

4Q revenue expected to be around NT$125 to 135bn, up 20% to 30% year-on-year

4Q shipment expected to be around 12.0 to 13.0mn units, up 31% to 42% year-on-year

Gross margin expected to be around 28.0%±0.5%

Operating margin expected to be in the range of 14.5%±0.5%

Conference Call and Webcast

HTC will host its quarterly conference call in Chinese beginning at 4 p.m. (Taiwan Time, GMT+8), and quarterly conference call in English beginning at 8 p.m. (Taiwan Time, GMT+8) on Monday, October 31st, 2011. The conference call in Chinese will be webcast live with audio and slides at:

http://www.mzcan.com/cancast/taiwan/index.php?id=tw2498_143&version=c and webcast link for the call in English is http://www.mzcan.com/cancast/taiwan/index.php?id=tw2498_143&version=e.

About HTC
PRESS RELEASE

HTC Corporation (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile industry. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC creates innovative smartphones and tablets that better serve the lives and needs of individuals. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.

###

HTC, the HTC logo are the trademarks of HTC Corporation. All other names of companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks
of their respective owners.

HTC IR & PR Contacts

HTC IR / Finance & Accounting Division

Disclaimer:
This press release contains forward-looking statements which may include projections of future results of operations, financial condition or business prospects based on our own information and other sources. Our actual results of operations, financial condition or business prospects may differ from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to market demand, price fluctuations, competition, international economic conditions, supply chain issues, exchange rate fluctuations and other risks and factors beyond our control. The forward-looking statements in this release reflect the current belief of HTC as of the date of this release. HTC undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements for events or circumstances that occur subsequent to such date.

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November 2, 2011
AutoGyaan : 2012 BMW 3 Series Production Starts in Munich

German automaker BMW has kicked off production of its upcoming 2012 BMW 3 Series in Munich, Germany. BMW has funded their production plant with over US $ 700 Million to make it ready for the new 2012 3 Series.

The new 3 Series features a new look body with a revamped frontal area. A redesigned cluster of lights in the front as well as the back. 2012 3-series is based on a new compact, rear- and all-wheel-drive architecture. Technology currently available in the 7 Series and 5 Series is expected to feature in the 2012 3 Series, such as a lane-departure warning system, night vision, a system to prevent the driver from falling asleep, and radar-based adaptive cruise control with collision-mitigating automatic braking.

The new vehicle is powered by a new family of aluminum four-cylinder petrol engines ranging from 135 to 245 horsepower. Two engine choices will be available for the 2012 3-Series in February: A 2.0-liter twin turbocharged, direct-injected six-cylinder engine for the 335i that delivers 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, as well as a twin-charged direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the 328i that provides 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, as well as better fuel economy. Both will be mated to a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission.

We will be lucky if half the options make it to our side of the world.

The BMW production facility in Munich was inaugurated in 1922 and has built more than 8.5 million vehicles since then.

November 1, 2011
AutoGyaan: Unreleased Hyundai Tucson ix35 for India caught by iGyaan spies
Wow this is a wonderful day, we caught some picture of the unreleased Hyundai Tucson 4WD CRDi. This SUV will come with the new Hyundai engine which promises a better performance.

The styling of the SUV is really modern with angle arches above each of the rear tires and a bend line across each side. The instrument cluster has been massively redesigned and has all essential controls including steering mounted remote. The overall look and feel of the SUV is really impressive, its a pity we couldn’t find out who drove this car to ask for a test ride.

The interiors looked spacious and comfy, and we really liked the centre console. With the SantaFe not doing too well in the Indian Market, Hyundai’s plans to launch a cheaper SUV may not be off mark especially if it comes in the 14-18 lac price range. Manufacturer mentioned features include:
- 17” alloy wheels
- Air conditioning
- Reversing sensors
- Bluetooth® connectivity* with voice recognition
- Leather steering wheel and gear knob
- Eco Drive Indicator
- Heated front and rear seats (outer rear seat bases only)
- Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
- 6 Airbags
- Panoramic sunroof (although this model had no sunroof)
We couldn’t get better images because we didn’t have our equipment with us and an iPhone 4 is what had to do. But till the next time we get a proper hands on with this impressive looking SUV check out the images below:
October 31, 2011
Volta BCN electric motorcycle will go on Sale Q2 2012 (PR)
Volta Motorbikes officially announced its new Volta BCN motorcycle this week, with a complete unveiling set for the EICMA Motorshow in Milan next month. The electric motorcycle is one of many to come in the rage of the new eco sports bike era. With a total of three different variants :
- BCN Sport
- BCN City
- BCN My Volta (customizable at order)
All the variants have a 35 horsepower and 70 kilometer range

The price range starts at €7,000 mark (or just around the INR 5 lac mark, before duties and tax),

The bike will start shipping to pre-orderers first half next year with a reservation list first come first serve basis.

[toggle title_open=”Collapse Press Release” title_closed=”Expand 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”]Volta Motorbikes unveils his first electric motorbike, the Volta BCN, in the coming EICMA 2011

The pre-reservation list will be opening at the start of 2012, and the first units will be sold during the second quarter of the year

Between 8th and 13th November, amid the backdrop of the Milan Fair (69th International Motorcycle Exhibition), Volta Motorbikes, an electric motorbike manufacturer created with the mission of providing new solutions for the pollution problems in big cities, will be presenting its star project: the Volta BCN. The first electric motorbike designed entirely in Barcelona has received the name of the Catalan capital thanks to an agreement with the City Council, which hopes to display the city’s aspiration to become a European benchmark in sustainable mobility and environmental respect. The Volta BCN combines design, a sporty feel, innovation and sustainability all in one. This goes to show that a practical and sustainable vehicle can also be dynamic, while boasting an urban image and high performance.

After months of work and perseverance, the Volta Motorbikes project has now come to fruition and is about to begin the production phase. Thus, during the first quarter of the forthcoming year, a pre-reservation list will be opened on the Internet; and in the second quarter, the first units will be released for sale, for an estimated price of €7,000. At the moment, Volta is putting the final touches on the shape of the Volta BCN distribution network and points of sale throughout Europe.

The fact that Volta bears the name of Barcelona forms part of the intention to help forge the image of a city that is capable of converting urban thoroughfares into a pollution-free public space, yet with no sacrifices regarding the mobility-related needs of the people who live there. And so, Barcelona is pushing to become a benchmark for sustainability in Europe, while at the same time reasserting its ambition to be a hub for design and quality.

The Volta BCN is different from other urban electric motorbikes, as it combines technology, design and a sporty feel, to afford users the opportunity to experience motor passion while also being respectful of the environment.

Volta Motorbikes envisages launching its product in Spain first, and will subsequently make the leap over to the international market, with its first appearance at the Milan Fair, the quintessential showcase for any new product in the two-wheel sector. As Volta Motorbikes Manager Marc Barceló says, “the Milan Fair is the ultimate test to assess the entrance of a new brand, and we hope to firm up our first orders with the European market during the days of the show”.

BCN SPORT, BCN CITY AND BCN MY VOLTA

The Volta BCN, with 35 hp, will be available in several different models, yet as Barceló cites, all are founded on the same philosophy: “Volta aims to transmit the DNA of a brand with a sporty nature while also being efficient and environmentally friendly”.

In Milan, the company plans to present three models with the same power yet different aesthetics and finishes. The BCN Sport is an urban motorbike that projects a dynamic image with a personality of its own, without skimping on performance, quality or practical features. The BCN City offers a cosmopolitan design and targets those who wish to combine an elegant look with the spirit of sustainable mobility and practical, comfortable driving. The BCN My Volta is the customisable model, meaning that the motorbike can be adapted to the needs and preferences of the user in terms of the design of its finishes and accessories. The My Volta will offer customised ordering through an online tool that will be implemented with the new Volta website, coinciding with the brand’s presentation at the Milan Fair.

All of these models require the same A2 driving license and are the ideal choice for those who need a means of daily transport to get about in the city, while serving as a road of entry into the two-wheel world for new users.

€0.45 PER RECHARGE

With a full battery recharge cost of €0.45, this bike can recharge completely in just two hours when plugged into a 220-V household socket or at any public charging point. The Volta BCN has a range of approximately 70 kilometres and a lithium-polymer battery. After 1500 charging cycles, which is the equivalent of five years of daily recharges, the battery still has 80 % of its initial capacity.

One thing that we must point out about the Volta BCN is the quality of its components, as all of its parts are supplied by prestigious brands in the sector.

The motorbike comes with a trunk with capacity for a full-face helmet, as well as a mobile phone charger.Particularly worthy of note is the relaxed and comfortable position of this bike, which makes for agility and free movement when driving. Moreover, it includes the added feature of connectivity with mobile telephone devices, as well as a wide range of applications such as programming recharges and power setting limits, among others; a package that will be available when the first Volta BCN bikes reach the market.[/toggle]
October 31, 2011

Samsung Galaxy Y Full Review

Times have changed over the years, but never did we see the smartphones reach the consumer market with such a blow that feature phones would almost disappear.

The new Samsung Galaxy Y offers a complete package for a fairly low budget, But is it actually a full smartphone ?

Lets find out in this iGyaan review :

Build Quality and Hardware

The Galaxy Y is well built to an extent where you wont be disappointed by any thing in terms of the exterior of the device. The screen is not tough so a screen protector is essential for the device. Every-thing else is built to last and will not need any extra care, solid built, tactile buttons and no rattle or noise from the body of the device.

In terms of the Hardware Specs:

Price	Rs. 7,830 (MRP)
Network	Edge + HSDPA upto 7.2 Mbps
Phone Style	Touchscreen Capacitive
OS	Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread
Thickness	11.5mm
Length	104mm
Width	58 mm
Weight	97.5 g
Built-in Memory	160 MB Rom Ram Unknown
Additional Memory	microSD, up to 32GB
High-speed Data	3G
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Wifi ,
Screen Size	3-inch, 240×320 pixels
Secondary Screen Size	N/A
Screen Colours	256k
Camera	2-megapixel ff
Camera Resolution	1600×1200 pixels
Flash	NO
GPS	Yes
Wifi	802.11 b/g/n
Music Formats	MP3
Radio	Yes
Speaker	Yes
Processor	832 Mhz Processor
Browser	Android Browser, Full Flash Enabled
Games	Android MarketPlace Games
Battery	1200mAh

Screen and Multimedia

The screen on the device is a 3 inch 320×240 px capacitive display, its a relatively low res display, but its leaps and bounds better than the one found on the Pop and Fit. Why ? You ask. There is a massive difference in the pixellation levels of the Galaxy Y and the POP, on the Pop you aslo only get Android 2.2, this device comes preloaded with 2.3.5 and a display that does not bother you at all with reading webpages etc.

The screen is decent for movie playback and the speakerphone is loud enough to get the message across. This device will feature as a portable media player for many a youth, but don’t expect it to replace a TV or even an iPod. Audio quality is good but is only limited with the hardware chip used. The maximum throughput of sound is limited hence will not deliver performance compared to even the Wildfire S. The Audio is not really an issue because an everyday user will not notice it, as the device produces a loud sound with or without the earphones, whcih is mostly enough for a consumer.

Phone, Network and Messaging

The device is an excellent phone, with robust network connectivity and a solid signal strength. We noticed no dropped calls in the extensive network tests conducted. Audio (incoming and outgoing) on both channels was crisp and loud, with no feedback issues. The “Y” gets a great rating because it does a good job of what its basic purpose is: to make and receive calls.

Messaging on the device is also easy and is demonstrated in our video review. Typing is simple thanks to an error correction algorithm by Samsung, which utilizes a most common error path and auto corrects the text errors. Pretty fancy for a sub 7k phone. You also get SWYPE inbuilt on the keyboard making it very useful indeed.

Data, Internet and Battery

By now we have learnt that Android devices are no too data friendly. Turning data on and off when required will boost your battery life enormously. That being said this device also features 3G data connectivity and HSDPA upto 7.25 Mbps. The connections are stable and not too power consuming, the Wifi Hotspot feature works great and does not suck the life forces from your device, like it used to on previous devices.

Internet connectivity is stable on both Wifi and 3G and the browser loads all sorts of Flash content, with a bit of hiccups. Browser is easily readable and on a screen this size you cant expect much more. The basics can be accessed from this browser, but its not a replacement for your computer.

Battery Life

Companies talk about battery life in their own mood, we do some extensive real life tests to get out the best from the device.

Talk Time 2G : 6 Hours
Talk Time 3G : 4.5 Hours
Standby Time : 36-72 Hours
WiFi Surfing : 4-5 Hours
3G Surfing : 3.5 Hours
Music : 7 Hours
Video : 2 Hours

Conclusion:

The Galaxy Y is now available for a price of 6800 INR on most online portals, possibly at a cheaper price at local vendors. At that price to get a 800+ MHz processor with native Android 2.3.5 capacitive touchscreen Wifi , 3G and Hotspot, we have no complaints from this device. Why should we? This is a complete device and offers anything you would need as a first time Android user on a budget, and also basics for somebody looking for a secondary device. It looks great, is manufactured by a trusted brand and has great service and support for a budget.

We say get it!

We Rate the GALAXY Y : 4 on 5

Unboxing Video

Review Video

Image Gallery

October 31, 2011

HP will Shut Down WebOS , HP Wont Shut Down WebOS : Who Cares

After successfully acquiring and killing an operating system(WebOS) and a company (Palm), in less than six months, HP continues to wonder what it can do with the remains. HP earlier this week issued a statement that it will shut down all remaining operations of the division. This news didn’t come as much of a shocker to us as HP had already clarified its plans to shut down the operations on WebOS devices.

Yesterday HP’s Todd Bradley, went on Bloomberg to clear the air, and called the report about the shut down an “unfounded rumor.” He said

“Accolades for the operating system are broadly known and that the company is focusing on how to effectively utilize that phenomenal software.HP will weigh all the data and information before making the right decision.”

October 30, 2011