Author: Meenakshi Rawat

‘Gears of War: Ultimate Edition’, ‘Killer Instinct’ are Coming to PC

The ongoing E3 gaming show is not just about high-profile games launching for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Game developers are making more and more titles cross-platform, announcing their arrival on older consoles such as Play Station 3, Xbox 360, and also PC. Microsoft made a surprise announcement in its press conference stating that Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, along with Killer Instinct will now run on PC. Both the titles came into existence in the same E3 show in 2013.

Little tidbits of information were made public at the event. The Coalition’s Rod Fergusson mentioned that the PC version of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition will have unlimited refresh rates along with 4K displays support, contrasting console’s 1080p limit. The two will come with support for a mouse, keyboard, and wireless controller, along with Xbox Live and game DVR support. Regardless of the platform, all players will be able to play the game online. There is no information of when these titles will show up.

Microsoft’s mind change from being Xbox One exclusive to making them accessible to every gaming enthusiast will boost demand of its games. This in turn will help Microsoft in the long run, manifesting its decision into multiplying profits.

June 17, 2015
Samsung Mid-Rangers Galaxy J5 and J7 Arrive in India Next Week

In the past few days we’ve heard several rumours about the unannounced Samsung mid-range smartphones. The two handsets in the Galaxy line-up – Galaxy J5 and Galaxy J7 – have leaked almost entirely, and just an official launch is awaited, which will confirm their price and arrival date. According to insider sources, we won’t have to wait for long.

We’ve now heard that both the Galaxy J5 and J7 will release next week in India. However the date is not specified, the phones are expected to make a debut between June 22 and June 28.

The Galaxy J5 seems to be a regular J1-like device with the Android operating system powering it. From the design aspect, Samsung hasn’t made any alterations and we might see the traditional curved edges from all four sides, just like on the Galaxy S1, S2 and Galaxy Duos. The images leaked online give a sense of Samsung Galaxy J5 being thick, just like the Duos series. Considering the performance factor, the Galaxy J5 is said to house a 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 410 under the 5-inch screen. Rumours speak of it embedding 1.5GB RAM and 8GB internal storage space, with a microSD card slot.

The front features a 5MP camera for selfie enthusiasts, with primary 13MP snapper at the back. The phone will be accompanied by a 2600mAh battery, which can last for a day.

The Galaxy J7, on the other hand, is a bigger sibling of the Galaxy J5 with a 5.5-inch screen at 720x1280p resolution. Under the hood is a 1.7GHz octa-core Marvel PXA1936 processor with 1.5GB RAM and 16GB in-built storage space, with expandability option via a microSD card slot. The phone holds similar specifications to the Samsung Galaxy J5 in terms of camera, but differs slightly in battery capacity – which is 3,000mAh.

More details on pricing will be disclosed at the launch. Keep checking back for updates.

June 16, 2015
Move Over Xbox, PlayStation is the “New Home of Call of Duty”

Sony has taken over what used to be Microsoft’s. The Call of Duty series that was once exclusive to Xbox will be the first to bring all map packs to PlayStation, from now on. Sony has won the marketing deal and with this fresh partnership, PlayStation users will be the first to get access to Call of Duty: Black Ops 3. Sony Executive Andrew House announced on E3 stage saying PlayStation is the “new house of Call of Duty”.

Microsoft’s reassurance at this point is that Call of Duty sequel will still arrive on Xbox One this year, so it doesn’t change anything. The deal is sealed and the exclusive contract will come into effect with the launch of Black Ops 3 on November 6. It will first arrive for PlayStation 4, Windows PC and Xbox One, and later for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

The multiplayer mode of the gaming adventure was disclosed by Sony in an approximately 7-minute video. It looks amazing, giving a view of real life combat. David Vonderhaar of Treyarch talked about the multiplayer, saying it is about delivering four guns of combat control. It is said to be fast, fluid and unlike any Call of Duty before.

Well, we will be waiting to get our hands on the game.

Here’s the Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 Campaign Coop and Multiplayer gameplay:

June 16, 2015
Microsoft Shows Off an Incredible Holographic Version of Minecraft

Microsoft kicked off the annual E3 Expo yesterday with a bang. The first announcement was a brand new Xbox Controller for elite gamers. In addition to that, the company announced that hundreds of older Xbox 360 games will now be compatible with the newer Xbox One console. But this was just a warm-up. Microsoft then introduced the Minecraft HoloLens demo.

The HoloLens, which was showcased earlier this year, is a one of a kind wearable that brings science fiction into reality. It is a mere headset which when connected with any PC running Windows 10 will merge and blur the lines between the digital and the physical. At the E3 conference, Michael Saxs Persson of Microsoft Studios came on stage with the HoloLens in hand to demonstrate an all-new version of Minecraft. The video also clarified the growing rumours about the company’s Minecraft acquisition worth $2.5 billion. With this, Microsoft has shown its hard work to twist the conventional approach of playing games.

The Minecraft HoloLens demo shows a huge holographic photo running on a plane surface in 3D mode. Users can play Minecraft right on your wall and can also transfer it to another surface. You can control the world through voice input and hand gestures. Also, you can zoom in and zoom out, using your voice. The demo also revealed that the game is aware of your eye movements.

A big plus while playing with HoloLens is that another user can play along with a surface, without the HoloLens on.

Watch the Minecraft HoloLens demo below:

June 16, 2015
Sony Finally Unveils ‘The Last Guardian’ at E3 2015 and it is Epic

After a delay of four long years, Sony finally showcased the ‘The Last Guardian’ at E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) last night. The company opened its 2-hour long keynote with the disclosure of The Last Guardian trailer, after which new gaming franchises followed.

The making of the adventure sequel commenced in 2007 and was initially planned to release in 2011. But as the game’s Director Ueda left the project, it had to be stopped in the middle. Thankfully, Sony ensured that the sequel was compiled.

Shifting our focus back to the trailer, The Last Guardian showed a strong friendship between the boy and his mammoth animal mate, Trico. The plot is set in ancient times depicting disintegrated architecture. The giant creature is obedient and helps the boy get through his journey. The detailed 7-minute long trailer showcases incredible animations that are sure to gather a huge following. It’s going to see a release sometime in 2016 for PlayStation 4.

More games are expected to arrive at the ongoing E3 2015 at Los Angeles. Stay tuned for more updates.

Watch the trailer of The Last Guardian here:

June 16, 2015
Deals of the Week : Smartphone Discounts You Should Check Out

It’s always showering discounts online. Despite the festive drought during summer, the e-commerce platforms have managed to draw customers to its portal through irresistible deals on smartphones. They’re currently throwing inviting offers with a major price drop, together with optional exchange deal and additional benefits.

Here are some of the deals that you can grab right now:

Nexus 6

Coming at a launch price of Rs. 43,999, Flipkart is selling the phone at a cost of Rs. 36,999, a substantial markdown of Rs. 7,000. The price cut is on both the versions – 32GB and 64GB. The 64GB variant is available at Rs. 41,999, down from Rs. 48,999. Nexus 6 can cost you Rs. 36,999 on exchange, an additional Rs. 5,000 off.

Featuring a display of 5.96 inches, the Nexus 6 packs 2.7GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 with Adreno 420 GPU and 3GB RAM. The device runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop, upgradable to v5.1 (Lollipop).

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.flipkart.com/nexus-6/p/itme7zd6w6qwgjuy?pid=MOBEFHHGB2RFQ7WM&&storageSelected=true&otracker=pp_mobile_storage&affid=bhnagpalgm”]Buy Now[/tw-button]

Moto X (2^nd Gen)

Another good pick is Motorola’s premium range smartphone – Moto X (2^nd Gen). Flipkart is giving a 26% concession on the handset, offering it for Rs. 21,999, instead of Rs. 29,999. The Rs. 8,000 price difference is significant, and with exchange from your present smartphone, it will cost even lower. If you are going for an exchange offer, the Rs. 29,999 device can be around 50% cheaper at Rs. 16,999.

The phone holds a 5.2 inch AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass protection, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, 2GB RAM, and 16GB internal storage.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.flipkart.com/moto-x-2nd-generation/p/itme7yb9cj9ghfvg?pid=MOBDZ3FVVZT38WQH&offer=MotoX2_PrexoOffer.&ref=L%3A8487081084313946093&srno=b_1&affid=bhnagpalgm”]Buy Now[/tw-button]

Micromax Canvas Nitro A311

With our rating of 7.9 out of 10, Micromax Canvas Nitro is one of the best performance-oriented phones in the budget category. Buy the phone at Rs. 1,000 less, i.e. Rs. 8,999. Sporting a vivid 5-inch LCD display with 5MP camera on top, the Canvas Nitro features a Mediatek Mt6592 octa-core chipset clocked at 1.7GHz. It holds 2GB RAM, 16 GB in-built storage and 13MP primary shooter.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://dl.flipkart.com/dl/mobiles/pr?offer=s%3Awsr%3Ac%3A0556b0a103.&sid=tyy,4io&affid=bhnagpalgm”]Buy Now[/tw-button]

Moto E (2^nd gen) 4G

There is no heavy discount on this Motorola model if are not willing to barter your old phone. The LTE version of Moto E (Gen 2) is being offered at Rs. 500 less, but on exchange, you can get it on Rs. 2,000 off, i.e. Rs. 5,999. Other gifts comprise of free Airtel 4G SIM, Double data absolutely free with Airtel and a few more.

The device touts a bigger 4.5-inch qHD (540×960p) screen, a 1.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 410 processor, 1GB of RAM and 8GB of inbuilt storage capacity, expandable up to 32GB. A rear camera of 5MP is fitted onto Moto E (Gen 2) LTE, while the front has a 0.3MP shooter. Running on Android 5.0 Lollipop, the device comes with a 2390mAh battery.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://dl.flipkart.com/dl/mobiles/pr?offer=s%3Awsr%3Ac%3A050d932203.&sid=tyy,4io&affid=bhnagpalgm”]Buy Now[/tw-button]

Honor 4X

The excellent all-round multimedia device has gotten more affordable. Honor 4X is now under sub-Rs. 10,000 category (although temporarily), costing Rs. 9,999 at the ongoing Flipkart sale. Besides the phones, customers will get other offers, such as Rs. 3000 off on Yatra wallet, offers worth Rs. 3,000 on Freecharge, 1-3 months of free streaming and downloads from Hungama and much more.

In terms of specifications, Honor 4x sports a 5.5 inch HD (720×1280) display, Snapdragon 410 processor, 2GB RAM, 8GB in-built storage, expandable up to 32GB. The handset features a 13 MP camera on the back and a 5MP front snapper. The whole system is powered by a 3000mAh battery.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://dl.flipkart.com/dl/mobiles/pr?p%5B%5D=facets.price_range%255B%255D%3DRs.%2B5001%2B-%2BRs.%2B10000&p%5B%5D=facets.internet_features%255B%255D%3D4G&sid=tyy%2C4io&q=honor+4x&affid=bhnagpalgm”]Buy Now[/tw-button]

June 15, 2015
How Apple Plans to Take Over India’s Smartphone Market

India has moved straight from the lowermost section of Apple’s priority list to sit right on top. The Cupertino-based firm, which has long snubbed the country for other nations like the US, UK and more, now plans to be the No. 1 smartphone seller in India, next year. According to a report by Business Insider, Apple has signed a partnership agreement with Optiemus Group, based in Delhi, to double its iPhone sales.

Optiemus Group has been a major distributor of Samsung and HTC brand handsets in India. Following this partnership, Optiemus will be distributing iPhones as well, increasing the volume of the iPhones in India. Besides this, Apple is reportedly considering teaming up with other distributors whose distribution network is vast. The company is also considering over appointing a new distributor, which may be either of the four – Redington, Ingram Micro, Rashi Peripherals and Brightstar. Optiemus Group then follows, being the fifth larger dealer.

Apple iPhone 6

The company sold a total of one million iPhones last year in India, and with the aim to double its smartphone sales this year, its goal is 2 million iPhone sales in FY 2015. By tying up better distribution networks, the company may even make India one of the priority countries for launches. Apple Watch, its first smartwatch, is yet to arrive in India.

As per an industry insider –

Since shipment figures are one of the indicators of success in the smart phone industry, any new distributor Apple appoints will lead to an instant surge in shipments, which will help it to achieve the target fixed by headquarters and will also lead to a significant jump in retail reach.

In such circumstances, the company will turn into a threat for Samsung and Micromax, who have been battling each other for the top spot, with minimal complexities. The inclusion of Apple in the game, by giving more choices to customers, will make business tougher for Samsung and Micromax. Although it takes a backseat in the overall Indian smartphone market, Apple is the most valuable smartphone brand in the whole world.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”” target=”_self”]Source[/tw-button] [tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”red” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.businessinsider.in/Know-about-Apples-new-strategy-to-knock-Samsung-out-of-competition-in-India/articleshow/47673988.cms”]Business Insider[/tw-button]

June 15, 2015
Biggest Gaming Titles to Arrive at E3 This Year

The E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) has revived the gaming mania, and it is going to soar manifold on its onset. The annual video game conference and show kicks off on June 16, Tuesday, at Los Angeles Convention Centre, and it will allow a sneak peek at haunting animations, mean machines and hulking characters. Many famed developers will mark their presence at the event, bringing a slew of AAA games. Some of the games to draw the spotlight this week are the sequels of the old favourites, in addition to some new titles.

Here’s are some of the biggest games to arrive at E3 this year:

Star Wars Battlefront

Based on Star Wars films, the game is one of the long-awaited titles to release this year. Started in 2004 by developers Pandemic Studios, the franchise was taken over by Electronic Arts DICE. The teaser video released by EA shows a first-person view of the Battle of Hoth and features four planets – Hoth, Tatooine, Endor, and Sullust. Featuring first and third-person gameplay perspectives, the game is slated to launch later this year.

Fallout 4

Developed and published under Bethesda banner, Fallout 4 was introduced ahead of E3 in a press conference organised by Bethesda Softworks. Fallout 4 has a backdrop of approximately 200 years after a war that ends up in a nuclear holocaust in 2077. The setting is a post-apocalyptic desert, known as Commonwealth. The player character takes shelter on Vault 111, just to mysteriously awaken 200 years later without aging a single day. The Fallout sequel is confirmed to release on November 10 with a version for PC, Xbox One, and PS4.

Here’s the Fallout 4 gameplay trailer released in E3 2015:

https://youtu.be/OzV1GlDDlv8

Halo 5: Guardians

Microsoft is ready to showcase its massively popular instalment Halo 5: Guardians in Halo series. Scheduled to release on October 27 exclusively for Xbox One, we are expecting even more alluring visuals from this sequel, which 343 Industries has maintained from the past four series. The follow-up will see Master Chief being hunted by UNSC and solving a mystery that threatens the entire galaxy.

Watch the Halo 5: Guardians trailer here:

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3

One of the biggest jewels in Activision’s games portfolio is the Call of Duty franchise. The incredibly thrilling operations of the intense spy adventure sends chills down the spine. In the third part, you play as a member of a prototype Black Ops unit that has cybernetic enhancements with mission briefings of a missing CIA team in Singapore, set 35 years later in 2060. The forthcoming title Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is a game taking leap into the future with new characters, landscapes, and weaponry, which can be customized as a player progresses. The major alteration with Black Ops 3 is the multi-player mode where players can share information about threats during the game.

Have a look at its trailer below:

https://youtu.be/58Pspqx0XGs

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

As the number symbolises, ‘Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End’ is the fourth and final instalment in the Uncharted franchise. The third-person action-adventure shooter developed by Naughty Dog for PlayStation 4 and published by Sony is set to release early next year. For the first time, vehicles will be playable and the protagonist Nathan Drake will be riding a bike in the upcoming sequel.

The game is set several years post Nathan’s last adventure. He is forced back into the world of thieves. For his loved ones on stake, Drake embarks on a journey across the globe in quest of a historical conspiracy behind a pirate treasure. The gameplay demo is tantalizing, truly. Have a look at it below:

June 15, 2015
Weekly Tech Roundup : iOS 9’s Arrival, Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Rumours and More
The past week has been huge in terms of unparalleled innovations. We came across some major announcements from Apple in its annual at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) and heard from Twitter, BlackBerry, Xiaomi and Canon about their new products and services.

Here are the top 10 highlights of the week:
1. iOS 9 is All About Multi-Tasking
Apple finally cleared its plan on how to take iOS forward. iOS 9 is the latest operating system that offers multi-tasking on iPad. Multitasking has been broken down into three basic features – Slide Over, Picture in Picture, and Split View. ‘Slide Over’ allows you to open another app, without leaving the app you’re working on. All you have to do is, swipe the screen from the right to bring in another app. The ‘Split View’ Mode can open and proactive two apps on the same screen, at the same time. As expected, using the Split Screen, you can drag and drop between the two working apps. Lastly, the ‘Picture in Picture’ feature allows you to watch a video, while you work on another app on your iPad.
1. Apple Music Debuts in WWDC 2015
At the WWDC 2015, Apple officially announced its new music streaming service ‘Apple Music’. Putting together the principles of a secure and healthy ecosystem, Apple Music offers millions of tracks that can be saved offline. This library will give recommendations and the playlists would be curated by popular musicians such as Drake, Will I Am and Pharrell. Through ‘Connect’ introduced by Apple, artists can share pictures, music and messages with their fans.

Along with that, it also introduced the new 24/7 global music radio station – Beats 1. With the radio feature, more than 100 countries worldwide will be listening to programming and stations created by some of the world’s most popular musicians. It will have genres such as Indie rock, Hip-Hop Classical, etc.

Apple Music will be available on 30th June onwards. For the initial three months, the service is available for free. After which, there will be a charge of $9.99/month. There is also a family plan providing the service for up to six family members, for $14.99/month.
1. Canon DSLR Cameras Launched in India
Canon brought an array of two high-resolution full-frame DSLR cameras in India – the 5DSR and 5DS DSLR, and a compact camcorder XC10 4K that is convenient for 4K/Full HD video shooting and captures images at 12MP resolution. The class-apart 5DSR and 5DS DSLR feature 50.6-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor that set them high in Canon’s range of high-res cameras. The processor powering the devices is the latest dual DIGIC 5 that offers users a continuous shooting speed of 5fps at 50.6MP maximum. The Fine Detail Mode on Canon’s latest camera line-up allows users to capture the finest image. The mode configures the sharpness, therefore giving a detailed image which can be cropped extensively. The Canon 5DS at Rs. 2,52,995, while the 5DSR will cost you Rs. 2,65,995.

The camcorder features a Canon 10x Wide-Angle Zoom lens with 2x Digital Teleconverter and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) that offers a zoom ratio of 27.3-273mm for movies and 24.1-241mm for photos. The densely packed powerhouse will come for Rs. 1,70,000.
1. Upcoming Apple Products to be Manufactured in India
Foxconn, the major contract manufacturer of Apple, is planning to set up an Apple assembly plant in India. Industries Minister of Maharashtra, Subhash Desai remarked that Foxconn will come to scout for a location in India, as reported by Reuters. The world’s biggest Taiwanese electronics producer is said to build up 10-12 facilities in India by 2020, which includes data centres and factories.
1. Twitter Breaks Free from 140 Characters Restriction
Twitter had added direct messaging service (DMS) but it was always restricted to just 140-characters. Now, frequent Twitter users will be happy to know that the social network is finally putting an end to the restriction, and making it 10,000 characters as opposed to just 140. Thus DMS will function like any other regular instant messaging service, effective this July. However, while the DMS will no longer have a restriction, public tweets will continue to be within the 140 character limit.
1. Android OS to Settle on BlackBerry Devices
BlackBerry has allegedly come up with a solution to get back on track. We might see them collaborating with Android in a bid to increase revenues and turn a new folio. The company has said that it is ready to have a test run with Android. Its upcoming device, the BES12 will be able to secure not just BlackBerry devices, but also others that run on Android, iOS and Windows operating systems. BlackBerry will have to vouch for not just their platform but also for Android. While the Android partnership will help, BlackBerry needs to ensure it stays with the times and gives customers a product which is worth their money.
1. Galaxy Note 5 to Feature USB-C and Mammoth 4100mAh Battery
Samsung’s phablet flagship, Galaxy Note 5, is the hot topic every tech admirer is eagerly waiting for. There have been rumours of the Note 5 featuring a 5.9-inch Super AMOLED display with curves on both the edges. An upgraded version of Samsung’s Exynos 7422 is speculated to govern the computing operations. Now a latest report suggests of the Note 4 successor sporting a USB 3.1 Type-C port. The USB-C is undoubtedly the future of connectivity as the universal port transfers data at unbelievable speed together with offering added benefits. Its battery is said to be mammoth at 4100mAh, which is necessary for a phablet with these specifications. The device will launch later this year.
1. Oculus Touch is a Handheld Controller for the VR Rift
After launching Oculus Rift, Facebook-owned Oculus has unveiled a prototype controller for its VR headset, the Oculus Touch. It is a handheld controller to interact with your VR environment. It is all what the Rift was lagging. The Touch makes you feel your presence in the virtual world by showing your hands in the designed space, where you can pick a weapon, make hand gestures like you do in the real world.

The controller is much like your traditional gaming remote with thumb grip, main trigger, secondary trigger and a set of buttons. As it is still in the developmental stage, the time of the launch is the same and is expected to be Q1 2016.
1. Mi 4 64GB Variant Gets a Price Cut
Xiaomi has dropped the price of its Mi 4 in India. Xiaomi Mi 4 will now be available for Rs. 4,000 lesser. The price will now be Rs. 19,999 instead of Rs. 23,999, which is a substantial drop. The smartphone, known for its exemplary features, boasts a sleek look. The specifications includes Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 2.5 GHz, a 3GB RAM and 64GB Flash. The phone also possesses a 5? IPS full HD display at 441 PPI. It has a battery life of 3080 mAh and includes quick charge 2.0 support. The phone lastly, boasts of a 13 MP rear camera and an 8 MP front camera (both with f/1.8 aperture).
1. Amazon Opens Its Biggest Warehouse in Telangana, India
E-commerce giant Amazon has opened its biggest warehouse at Kothur in Telangana. It is one of the biggest fulfilment centres set up in India covering one million square feet of space with a storage capacity of over 2.5 million cubic metres. The new facility will help small and medium businesses (SMBs) to gain access to and service customers across the country.
June 14, 2015
Make Your Own Google Cardboard with These Simple Steps
At a time when Virtual Reality has taken centre stage in the tech industry, there is a lot to be done to make this revolutionary innovation reach to every corner of the world. The advanced technology that can recreate sensory experiences, designs an environment and sends users to the virtual world making them feel as if they are physically present there.

Many smartphone companies are pushing the unexplored division, by offering Virtual Reality (VR) headsets at special prices along with the smartphone. Some of these handsets include Samsung Galaxy Note, Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. More choices in VR headsets include Galaxy Gear VR, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Microsoft HoloLens and few more, but their market is limited to developed nations. This is where Google Cardboard comes into action. The low-cost, hand-made Google Cardboard requires only a bunch of things for its construction, and your smartphone is then ready to mount on the fold-out cardboard.

Follow the below-given steps and make one now:

List of Things Required

First of all, collect all the articles necessary for its preparation. You will need:
- Cardboard: You will need a corrugated cardboard that is 9-inches by 22-inches. A pizza box, shoe box or any thin, rigid sheet would do.
- Lens: The second thing is the lens. The lenses to affix the cardboard need to be 25mm in diameter with 40mm focal length. In case you don’t find lenses of these measures, 50mm focal length will do, but then you have to increase the length of your cardboard. You can also go for a plano-convex lens or biconvex lens, Google recommends the latter. So, first find out the lens available and accordingly start the project. [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.amazon.in/Alian-Biconvex-Lens-Google-Cardboard/dp/B00UYG3G5G/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1434185814&sr=8-10&keywords=google+cardboard&tag=igyaan-21″]Buy Now[/tw-button]
- Magnet: Two small ring-shaped magnets.
- Velcro strips: Two velcro strips with adhesive on the plane surface. [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_self” link=”http://www.ebay.in/itm/10-METRE-Sew-on-type-Polyster-Velcro-Hook-Loop-Tape-1000-CM-BLACK-COLOR-/111678681852?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_203&hash=item1a009172fc”]Buy Now[/tw-button]
- Other things are a rubber band, glue, a pair of scissors, and a cutter.
Steps to Make Google Cardboard

1. Print out the cardboard template by clicking on “Download the Kit” on the provided link. Apply some glue on the back of the template and paste it onto the cardboard with light numbers on top of the darker ones.

2. Now start cutting along the edges and fold the area marked by the red line.

3. Once you are through with cutting the cardboard, place the lens in the curved area and magnet at the other side of the cardboard mentioned on the template. Glue the area that’s done and affix the Velcro strips where you’ll be slipping your phone.

4. If you have followed the steps mentioned above, your cardboard is almost ready.

5. Put your smartphone in the cardboard and tie a rubber band so that your phone doesn’t slip through.

6. One more thing left is the installation of Cardboard app from Google Play Store that provides you content to see through the hand-made Google Cardboard. Launch the app and click the desired category by sliding down the magnet, placed on the side. You can get back to the main menu just by holding your VR headset upright.

In case everything fails, you could order one online:

<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />
June 13, 2015

Unboxing | Micromax Canvas Knight 2

Updating its Canvas Knight series, Micromax has introduced the second-generation Canvas Knight 2 in India. The device, which supports 4G connectivity, is priced at Rs. 16,299. The dual-SIM Canvas Knight 2 is not a major overhaul of its previous version; it packs a Snapdragon chipset, which was MediaTek in the last offering, advanced operating system and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. The handset came to our testing lab and we got our hands on the device.

Here’s our first experience with the phone:

The super slim Canvas Knight 2 is surrounded by a golden metal frame. It sports a big-sized screen of 5-inch HD AMOLED with 720 x 1280 resolution and 294ppi pixel density. The display surface, as well as the back, is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which is scratch resistant. On the front, they’ve provided a 5MP camera for selfie enthusiasts.

The dual SIM card slots offer support for one Micro SIM and one Nano SIM card. If one wishes to expand the storage capacity of the device, a memory card can be placed in place of the Nano SIM card slot. That means you can use just one SIM card if you want to expand its storage capacity.

On the top side of the Micromax Canvas Knight 2 is a 3.5mm headphone jack with secondary noise cancellation microphone. The right side of the device has the SIM card slot where you can stuff the MicroSD card for memory expansion. On the left, volume rockers as well as a power button.

Inside is a 1.5GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor with 2GB RAM and 16GB in-built storage space. Users have the option to expand it up to 32GB via MicroSD card. The new iteration runs on Android 5.0 Lollipop.

The rear camera of the Canvas Knight 2 is a 13MP autofocus with Sony IMX214 CMOS sensor and 5-element lens. A non-removable Li-ion battery of 2230mAh keeps the device running for around 8 hours.

Have a look at the spec sheet below:

Specifications	Micromax Canvas Knight 2
Display	5-inch HD AMOLED (720 x 1280p)294ppi
Processor	1.5GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615
RAM	2GB
Storage	16GB, expandable up to 32GB
Rear Camera	13MP
Front Camera	5MP
Operating System	Android 5.0 Lollipop
Battery	2230mAh
Price	Rs. 16,299

Check out our unboxing video here:

June 12, 2015

Upcoming Apple Products Likely to be Manufactured in India : Report

Yes, the back panel of your iDevice might shortly read “Assembled in India” as Foxconn, the major contract manufacturer of Apple, is planning to set up an Apple assembly plant in India. Industries Minister of Maharashtra, Subhash Desai remarked that Foxconn will come to scout for a location in India, as reported by Reuters.

The statement by Desai says, “Foxconn is sending a delegation of their officers to scout for locations in a month’s time.” The relocation of Apple assembly store from China to India will first of all aid Foxconn in cutting down the accelerated wage cost, and the lower production cost will help catch up with the mounting demand, which the Cupertino-based firm was failing to match with its supply shortage. The increased production will make the revenue numbers jump, hence, giving a stiff competition to India’s leading smartphone manufacturer Samsung and Micromax.

The world’s biggest Taiwanese electronics producer is said to build up 10-12 facilities in India by 2020, which includes data centres and factories. No confirmation has come from either Foxconn or Apple on the same, and an official statement would be required to authenticate the report.

It’s not the first time Foxconn will operate from India. The tech firm was earlier functioning in India, manufacturing Nokia phones, but as soon as Nokia’s mobile division was acquired by Microsoft last year, Foxconn had to shut shop in India. The return of Foxconn will boost smartphone manufacturing in the country, making it an electronics hub. Simultaneously, it will give a major push to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ campaign of bringing multinational companies to produce goods and services locally in India.

Along with Apple, Foxconn is under contract with Acer, Sony and Xiaomi to manufacture devices for them. If Foxconn comes to India, other brands assembled by the manufacturing company are likely to go cheap as the transportation charges and service tax will be eliminated.

The institution of the Foxconn manufacturing plant in India will establish our country as the biggest producer of technology products, and can also be a threat to Samsung in the high-end product segment, in the future.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”” target=”_self”]Source[/tw-button] [tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”blue” target=”_self” link=”https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/iphone-maker-foxconn-talks-build-130931349.html”]Reuters[/tw-button]

June 12, 2015
Google Search to Get Faster and Cheaper on Indian 2G Network

Though fast wireless networks like 3G and 4G have hit certain parts of the world, emerging countries are still a victim of slow internet connectivity, which constitutes over half the globe. Tech powerhouses have understood the fact that their expansion lies in reaching that majority and providing them the best of their services. Today, Google has launched a slimmer version of Google Search called ‘Search Lite’ on Android phones that optimize web pages on slow 2G network.

The feature shows streamlined search results, and the pages load four times faster than with the original Google Search. Also, it consumes lesser data, saving your monthly pack to last for few more days. Google’s blog post by Product Manager Hiroto Tokusei reads –

If you’re in India, with an Android phone and on a slow connection, like 2G, you should start to see pages loading a whole lot faster, while using far less data, via your Chrome or Android browser from Google’s search results.

To accommodate users with faster loading on slow mobile connections, Search Lite transcodes web pages on the go. As per Hiroto, the new feature gets triggered when an Android user surfs something on Google on a slow 2G connection. Google makes out the connection speed and activates the Search Lite tool. The search biggie has tested the feature in Indonesia and is geared to bring it to Indians in another two weeks.

Google’s testing period showed more than 50% increase in web page traffic. The firm says that it would be extremely beneficial for publishers as the page views will encounter a jump. These faster-optimized pages help publishers and advertisers reach new audiences. Publishers can choose to optimize the page or reject the compressed format. There are other measures that Google is currently working on like Google Analysis for tracking page views, AdSense for ad support, and a few more.

Also, the Search Lite tool will be brought as an option and not as a compulsion. Users can choose to switch to the original page any time through the link provided at the bottom of the page. The feature will be arriving in India as well as Brazil in the coming weeks.

June 11, 2015
Google Wants to Use Tech to Solve All Urban City Problems

In spite of the presence of many search giants in the Internet industry, one thing that makes Google unique is its unremitting attempts to use technology for social welfare. The tech major has already touched a corner of human life with the launch of a medical wing, and now, a new spinoff introduced today will deal with improving city life. Urban innovation body Sidewalk Labs, launched by Google will focus on improving the city life of billions by developing and incubating urban technologies to address issues like cost of living, efficient transportation and energy usage, thus, enhancing the global quality of life.

The new company will be headed by the former CEO of Bloomberg LP and Deputy Mayor of New York, Dan Doctoroff. Doctoroff has given some vague clues on what the company’s approach is while keeping silent on how the execution of this approach. The company will touch the left out parts that need the utmost attention, such as efficient transportation, lower cost of living and much more. The official website of Sidewalk Labs says, while there are apps to tell people about traffic conditions, or available apartment price, the biggest challenge that cities face are reducing energy usage and helping governments operate more efficiently, among a few others. The company is said to be developing new products, platforms and partnerships to make progress in these areas.

The CEO of Sidewalk Labs stated at the launch –

We hope that Sidewalk will play a major role in developing technology products, platforms and advanced infrastructure that can be implemented at scale in cities around the world.

Google’s CEO Larry Page posted on his Google+ page, “With Sidewalk, we want to supercharge existing efforts in areas such as housing, energy, transportation and government to solve real problems that city-dwellers face every day.”

Very little is known about Google’s diverse project, but the picture laid out by the company speaks of technological installations in the present scenario rather than building up an all-new structure. No plans have been disclosed of how Google will carry out instating urban technology and what its budget for the project is. It seems like Sidewalk itself doesn’t have a strategy for its goal.

The construction of Apple’s futuristic spaceship-like headquarter is under way, and it now appears as if the new campus can be a blueprint of the massive project that it has taken on. If that’s true then, Google had the idea in mind for long, and hopefully, Sidewalk will touch the height of success just like Google[x] and Calico.

June 11, 2015
5 Super Affordable Products We Wish Xiaomi Launches in India Soon

Despite being a young player, Xiaomi has become a brand that needs no introduction. The reason is that it sets a reasonable price for its dependable and feature-rich products. People all over the world are eager to get their hands on Xiaomi products, but only some nations have been able to get hold of its exciting offerings.

We have curated a list of devices that are available in Xiaomi’s home ground, but are yet to arrive in India. Here are the 5 devices most-desired products by Xiaomi, we can’t wait to get our hands on:

Mi Note

Launched mid-January, Xiaomi Mi Note is one device that challenges the likes of Apple, Samsung and OnePlus. The device flaunts a 5.7-inch 1080p display with Snapdragon 801 processor and 3GB RAM. The phablet will be available in 16 and 32 GB variants. The phone runs on Android 4.4 KitKat with MIUI 6 on top. It sports a 13MP primary camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a 4MP front-facing selfie camera. Powering the phone is a 3000mAh battery, which is sufficient enough to power the device for one full day. The Mi Note retails for 2,299RMB, which is about $371 or Rs. 22,893.

Yi Action Camera

Unveiled at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2015, the Xiaomi-manufactured Yi Action camera is a device taking the Chinese brand into a new arena, ruled by GoPro. The camera priced at CNY 399 (approximately Rs. 3,900) holds 16MP camera with Sony’s Exmor R BSI CMOS image sensor that records a video at 1080p (60fps). Weighing a mere 72 grams, Yi Action waterproof camera holds a storage capacity of 64GB.

Mi TV

A series of Mi TVs have been launched by Xioami in the international market. The 47-inch 3D Mi TV is virtually frameless with 8.4mm frame and features a 1920x1080p Full HD display. Inside the TV is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 600 quad-core 1.7G processor, an Adreno 320 GPU, 2GB DDR3 of memory and 8GB of storage. Users can connect their gaming controller and headphones via Bluetooth 4.0 to their television sets. Along with that, Xiaomi’s TV supports Dolby Stereo and DTS.

Mi Wi-Fi 6TB Router

Firming foothold deep into the consumer electronics market, Xiaomi recently launched a new Wi-Fi router that offers high-speed connectivity and is claimed to improve 2.4G performance by 100 percent and 5G connectivity by 30 percent. The device holds a 1.4GHz Broadcom 4709c dual-core chipset and 512MB flash memory along with offering 6TB hard drive for content storage. The 6TB Mi Wi-Fi will cost 2,999 Yuan (approx. Rs. 30,800). Xiaomi also introduced Mi Wi-Fi Amplifier along with Mi Wi-Fi. When the Amplifier is plugged into the router, it expands the Wi-Fi range without any hassle of wires. The Mi Wi-Fi Amplifier is priced at 39 Yuan (somewhere Rs. 400).

Yi Smart Webcam

Yi Ants Smart Webcam, is a multi-purpose camera that works as a webcam for chatting as well as security camera with recording capabilities. With 111 degrees wide-angle lens and 4x zoom, the Yi Smart Webcam offers a resolution of 720p and allows users to make two-way voice calls. Xiaomi has also launched a night vision edition, which can record even in the dark with 940mm infrared sensor. It is priced at 149 RMB, which translates to Rs 1,532 (approx.)

June 11, 2015