Author: Meenakshi Rawat

Google Nexus 5 is Back in Stock on Flipkart!

The flagship smartphone by the US-based search giant, Google Nexus 5, was the most desired device of 2013 and 2014 alike. Those who were able to get their hands on the device were on cloud 9 and a few unlucky ones were anticipating for it to go on sale again. Google has come up some really good news for those waiting for the Nexus 5.

The smartphone by Google is back in stock on Flipkart with no comment on its stocks. Both the 16 GB and 32 GB versions of the phone are available on the e-commerce website. You can also choose from the three colour variants – red, black and white. The red, 32 GB variant is priced at Rs. 29,919, while the 32 GB version in black and white colours can be bagged at a price of Rs. 32,999 and 31,350 respectively.

A couple of weeks back, Google confirmed that it will halt the production of the Nexus 5 by the first quarter of 2015, which made the phone lovers rush to the retail stores.

Briefing its specs, then the Nexus 5 sports a Full HD display of 4.95-inch that is protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The device is powered by Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 chipset. It runs on Android 4.4.4 KitKat and has 2 GB of RAM. On the camera front, it has an 8MP rear and a 1.3MP secondary snapper.

For the Nexus 5 lovers, it the perfect opportunity to grab this device at the earliest.

December 31, 2014
OPPO Launches the Ultra-Thin R5 in India

The slimmest smartphone by the Chinese electronics manufacturer, OPPO R5 was much-awaited by the Indian audience and finally, the wait has come to an end. OPPO India has launched its flagship device in the country today at a price of Rs. 29,990. The company announced that the phone will be available for pre-order from 1^st January, 2015.

The high-end device was unveiled by the company in October at a price tag of $499. The smartphone was the world’s slimmest phone record holder before the launch of Vivo X5 Max. The X5 Max beats OPPO R5 by just .10 mm, with a sleek design measured at 4.75 mm.

In an official announcement, the company highlighted its specifications, “The 4G-enabled R5 is equipped with Octa-core Qualcomm MSM8939 processor and features a 5.2-inch AMOLED screen”. Adding to its specs, the phone has a screen resolution of 1080×1920 pixels. Along with the Qualcomm processors, the device packs 2 GB of RAM and an Adreno 405 GPU. The 13 MP rear camera and 5 MP front shooter are quite impressive and can take amazing pictures. Running on Android 4.4 KitKat, the phone supports a single SIM. The device comes with 16 GB of unexpandable inbuilt storage, which is the only drawback of this model.

OPPO India CEO Tom Lu commented on the launch –

This phone has been developed with the end user in mind. We used cutting edge manufacturing techniques to create a phone that fits perfectly into the users’ hands, and that feels incredible. The frame has been forged nine times and then finished by hand to give a perfect sheen and feel. It has a quality that is not available anywhere else in the industry. The R5, like the rest of the R series delivers a truly stylish, exquisite and distinctive design and will continue to delight our customers with its innovative yet practical functions.

The device is available in other countries like Australia, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and few more except India. The other smartphones by the company were received well by the Indian users. Only time will tell whether this device finds a place in this saturated smartphone market.

December 30, 2014
Uber to Resume Services With Additional Security Measures

The Uber owners can now breathe a sigh of relief as Delhi government has lifted ban on the app-based transportation service. Delhi Transport Department on Monday added some new rules in the Radio Taxi Scheme 2006 which include cab-hailing apps like Uber, Ola and more to the category of Radio Taxis. The declaration has come as a welcome note for the ride-sharing service as its status was uncertain post the ban implemented earlier this month.

Uber services were banned in Delhi as a result of the rape incident committed by a registered Uber driver two weeks ago. The app faced an outrage of people all over the world, and as a result, its services were barred in the capital.

As per the modified rules in the Radio Taxi Scheme 2006, the app-based taxi companies can resume their services in the national capital once they obtain a license. All licensees need to maintain a minimum fleet of 200 radio taxis. It can be done either by owning a car or by an agreement with individual drivers possessing licensed taxi permits. The new law overrules the existing rule which say that those services will only be eligible to own licenses who have at least 500 cabs.

The modified rule received a mixed response from the taxi-app owners, however, Uber head seemed relieved with the decision. The head of Uber Asia operations Eric Alexander commented-

All the information solicited from Uber has been dutifully provided to the authorities. We look forward to a positive outcome which benefits the people of Delhi.

The rule says that the app-driven taxis should incorporate GPS and GPRS trackers, a printer along with a display panel through which passengers could keep a tab on the path and total distance covered. Furthermore, a helpline center, an authorised call center or a web portal should be established for the security of female passengers. Also, licensees need to list all the details on the website like ownership, registered address, contact details, fare structure, control room number, services offered, insurance liabilities, together with a section for redressal of grievances.

Although the lift of this ban has been met with mixed emotions; we pray that the security measures implemented are enough to prevent any such incident in future.

December 30, 2014
According to Xiaomi President, Mi5 to Arrive Next Month

Xiaomi looks upbeat and in a mood to surprise. The upcoming device by the Chinese smartphone manufacturer, Mi5, has already created quite a buzz in town and now the Co-Founder and President of the company, Bin Lin has disclosed that their new flagship smartphone would be unveiled in January.

Along with the revelation of a $1.1 billion funding, Bin mentioned in his post,

In January 2015, we will be unveiling our next flagship device.

However, Bin didn’t disclose the exact date of its arrival, GizChina claims that the device will launch by 15th of January, 2015.

Few days back, some pictures of the Mi5 were spotted on the internet, which demonstrated most of its display specifications.

The website also stated that the phone would have a 5.7-inch QHD display with 2560×1440 pixels resolution. It will be powered by a 64-bit Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor along with Adreno 430 GPU and 3 GB of RAM. The Mi5 is said to feature a massive 20.7MP front camera coupled with a fingerprint scanner and Sony Exmor sensor.

There are also rumours about the expected launch of Mi Pad 2 and Redmi Note 2 (temporarily titled). The Mi Pad 2 is expected to sport a 7.9-inch screen. Meanwhile the successor of Redmi Note is rumored to have a 5.5-inch display along with a 64-bit Snapdragon 615 octa-core processor, 2 GB of RAM and 8 MP camera.

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note 4G will go on sale on 30th December. The specs quoted for the next generation Mi device seems to put it directly on top of the food chain. Xiaomi has already become the third biggest smartphone company in the world. This flagship may be a direct assault on the big boys; Apple and Samsung. And if Xiaomi prices the device as competitively as it has done in the past, this might again be a big winner for the company. Seems like there’s no force yet which might stop Xiaomi’s roaring momentum.

December 29, 2014
Google’s Gmail Service Blocked in China

Gmail was banned in Mainland China earlier this year, however, people were able to exchange messages, videos, pictures through the mailing service. Protocols like IMAP, SMTP and POP3 and third-party apps such as Microsoft Outlook and Apple Mail aided users to access Gmail but now, even that isn’t possible as the Chinese government closed the loophole. As per a recent revelation, the government has permanently shunned Gmail in the country behind the Great Firewall.

Google has continuously been observing a major traffic dip in Gmail from China and this has been evident through Google’s Transparency Report. A spokesperson from the firm said that there had been no issues from the company’s side, which could have led to this action, “We’ve checked and there’s nothing wrong on our end.”

The China-based freedom of speech advocacy group GreatFire.org argued that this is a step towards completely banishing Google from China,

I think the government is just trying to further eliminate Google’s presence in China and even weaken its market overseas. Imagine if Gmail users might not get through to Chinese clients. Many people outside China might be forced to switch away from Gmail.

The East Asia’s sovereign state has made a firm boundary around itself called Great Firewall of China, which it says is a sophisticated internet censorship mechanism. This wall restricts the Chinese audience to interact with rest of the world. The decision will lead to an awkward situation for companies doing business, as almost all use Gmail to exchange conversation.

However, the Chinese government has regulated the ban, the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that she has no clue about the ban. Chunying added to her statement that the government is committed to provide a healthy business environment to foreign investors, “China has consistently had a welcoming and supportive attitude towards foreign investors doing legitimate business here. We will, as always, provide an open, transparent and good environment for foreign companies in China.”

Meanwhile, as the mailing service is blocked, the users out there are left with just one alternative, Virtual Private Networks (VPN). The Gmail ban hasn’t come a surprise decision as the country has a long list of restricted websites. Along with Google Docs, Google Drive, YouTube, Twitter and many more sites blocked earlier, the recent block record includes Instagram, Dropbox, Google Maps, Google and a few more.

December 29, 2014
Airtel Drops Price Hike on VoIP Packs; Set to Resume Old Rates

Seems like the outcry of millions of Airtel subscribers in India has reached the ears of top officials handling Bharti Airtel. Airtel has dropped the idea of price hike for internet voice calls through apps such as Skype and Viber. In a statement released by Airtel today, the firm clarified that it is taking back the implemented rates on VoIP, keeping in view of the fact that TRAI has already started considering the issue.

The official statement reads, “In view of the news reports that a consultation paper will be issued shortly by TRAI on issues relating to services offered by OTT (over the top content) players, including VoIP, we have decided not to implement our proposed launch of VoIP packs.”

The operator added that it is hoping for an unbiased outcome which will profit both the stakeholders and the Indians, “We have no doubt that as a result of the consultation process a balanced outcome would emerge that would not only protect the interests of all stakeholders and viability of this important sector but would also encourage much needed investments in spectrum and roll out of data networks to fulfill the objective of digital India.”

The Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) in India is free by all operators but Airtel took a different route by quietly implementing new rates a day after Christmas. The new rate left the user’s eyes wide open as it charged Rs. 1.8 – Rs. 3.98/ minute for audio calls, Rs. 22.50/ minute for video calls and a whooping Rs. 135/minute for HD video calls.

December 29, 2014
Indian Government Gives Green Signal to Electronic Manufacturing Proposals Worth Rs. 6,000 Crore

Modern India has understood the importance of technology and the Indian government is eyeing on making India an electronic hub. The administration has quickly started working in the direction and says that it has given a green signal to investment proposals worth Rs. 6,000 crore in the short period of six months.

In a statement by Department of Electronics and Information Technology, “In last six months, we received firm proposals of about Rs. 18,000 crore and most of them were with financial closures. Till date, proposals of about Rs 6,000 crore have been approved.” The fact should also be underlined that besides already established companies, new firms also took active part in expanding this list.

An official from the department confirmed, “About 25-30 new companies across various segments have come with investment proposals. Now people across geographies are very sure about the electronics manufacturing push by the Indian government. Reimbursement of MSIPS benefit has further boosted confidence.” He further elaborated saying that most of the investment have come from various segments of electronic like telecom equipments, electronic parts, LED, consumer electronics, automotive and a few more. The list includes firms like Nidec, Continental, Motherson Sumi, Calsonic Kansei, Tissol, Tata SED, and many more renowned names.

MSIPS, the Modified Special Incentive Package, is an initiative by the government to promote large-scale manufacturing. Under this scheme, government provides subsidy to the companies for investments in capital expenditure. The firms get a maximum of 20 percent subsidiary for investment in Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and 25 percent in non-SEZs.

December 29, 2014
WhatsApp’s Free Voice Calling Feature Captured in a Leaked Screenshot

At the commencement of year 2014, it was learnt that WhatsApp was planning on diminishing the dependability of its users on other calling services and had glad plans of introducing a voice calling feature. Months passed, but there was no sign of the said feature on the cross-platform mobile messaging service. However, a reliable source has come up with some interesting screenshots that depict the calling feature on WhatsApp.

The website Androidworld.nl posted some pictures of the new version of WhatsApp that shows voice calling. The screenshots also suggest that the upgraded version will have a separate window for making calls to WhatsApp contacts and a dedicated call log. Users can keep a tab on missed calls, ongoing calls and received calls through this window. Additionally, it can also include options like call mute, switch to text message, and hang up.

However, these are just leaks and there is no proof of its authenticity. Jan Koum, WhatsApp CEO, said in an industry conference that the company will surely be rolling out voice calling feature in Q1 2015. The delayed release has been due to some technical complications faced by the development team.

If WhatsApp succeeds in overcoming all the said hurdles and brings out a version featuring voice calling, it can prove to be a threat for the other services like Viber, Line, Facebook Messenger and more.

December 24, 2014
OnePlus Argues One Devices Running on a Different Cyanogen Version

Finally, the Shenzhen-based smartphone manufacturer OnePlus has retaliated; taking on the allegation made by Micromax saying that they are not infringing any rights exclusive to the India consumer electronics firm, Micromax. It argued that the Cyanogen operating system (OS) version used by them is different from that used by Micromax.

Last week a complaint was lodged by Micromax to the Delhi High Court saying that the company has acquired exclusive right to use CyanogenMod trademark all across South Asia. This led to the temporary ban of OnePlus devices from selling, promoting or for that matter, even importing its devices to the Indian soil.

OnePlus argued before a bench headed by Justice Pradeep Nandrajog, commenting that the version embedded in their OnePlus One devices is Cynogen CM11S, while Micromax handsets run on a completely different version of the new software. As per the agreement between Micromax and US-based software firm, an exclusive clause states that Cyanogen cannot collaborate with any another smartphone maker in the Indian subcontinent. However, it did not extend to the fact that a different version could not be used in other devices. The Chinese company also added to its statement that the version point was not mentioned by any judge who has passed the restraining order.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal representing OnePlus said,

It does not mean that we cannot do business.

He also suggested that his client should be given three months time to substitute Cyanogen with another software based on Android operating system and sell its already manufactured devices. It was also observed by the bench that the US-based firm Cyanogen had not been fair to the Chinese manufacturer stating that Micromax didn’t give time to the Chinese firm to make any changes to its device.

“Your client (Cyanogen) did not show fairness to either Micromax or Shenzhen. If this is how you want to proceed, that is wrong,” said the bench to the US firm counsel. Further hearing of the case will be held tomorrow.

Although it certainly seems that OnePlus has been wronged, it will be interesting to observe which way the decision goes. In the meantime OnePlus fans can patiently hope and pray that their beloved phone stays in the Indian market.

December 23, 2014
Android Lollipop Captured in a Leaked Screenshot on LG G2

Mere weeks have passed since the roll out of Google’s Android 5.0 Lollipop, and all the smartphone manufacturers are doing everything to upgrade their devices with Google’s new OS. Countable number of devices have received the update so far and Nexus devices top the list for obvious reasons. The South Korean giant LG’s flagship, LG G2 has been recently caught with Lollipop on it.

An authentic Italian technology web portal unveiled a screenshot that shows Android 5.0.1 on the LG G2 with a build number LRX21Y. However, the leaked pictures of the update was of the LTE-Advanced version bound to South Africa only. It is believed that the global LG G2 users will soon witness the update on their devices. The leaked image itself is a pretty good sign that the company is working on it.

It is an impressive step by the firm to upgrade their 2013 released smartphone with Lollipop. Meanwhile, all G2 users can check out their devices for an OTA update.

The LG G2 features a 5.2-inch IPS display with 1080×1920 pixels along with Corning Glass 2 protection. Initially, the device ran on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean OS out of the box; but later it was upgraded to KitKat. Now it is said to support Lollipop as well. The phone is powered by quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor and comes with 2 GB of RAM. It packs a 13MP primary camera and a 2.1MP secondary snapper that can take amazing selfies. The phone has 16 GB of internal storage capacity and comes with connectivity options like 4G LTE, 3G, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi and microUSB. The 3000 mAh Lithium-Polymer battery powers the device for a complete day usage.

With the incredible interface of Lollipop, the old G2 models will come to life. However, till the time LG makes an official announcement, global users will have to wait.

December 23, 2014
Survey : Indian 4G User Base to Hit Close to 15 Million by December 2015

Even though 3G is still taking its time to adjust in India, it seems like 4G might catch up soon and win the race. A recent report by PwC forecasted that the 4G subscriber base in the subcontinent will touch 10-15 million by December 2015.

In a statement by PwC for Indian telecom sector, “We expect 4G LTE subscribers to reach 10-15 million by December 2015 driven by competitive pricing, superior network experience and affordable smartphones.”

Arpita Pal, PwC Leader Telecom, added, “In 2015, we will witness multiple Indian players launching 4G on a more efficient 1800MHz spectrum and Indians subscribers will adopt 4G wholeheartedly to satiate their needs for mobile data.” Adding the fact that LTE will be accessible in India as well.

Aircel and Bharti Airtel are the first to bring the 4G service in India, although it is present in select states only. Reliance Jio Infocomm, BSNL and Tikona are amongst others to launch the same in the coming year.

The consultancy firm stated, “India will see a significant spurt in Wi-Fi hotspots driven by both government smart cities and ‘Digital India’ and private sector initiatives.”

For us, the result of the survey seems far-fetched. Although network providers might give the service, it will take some time before users switch up and invest in 4G capable devices.

December 22, 2014
5 Weather Apps That Offer Much More Than Just a Climate Update

Gone are those days when weather apps were used just to forecast climatic conditions. With the technological advancements today, we can fetch much more information than finding out if it would be cloudy today or it’s going to rain.

We are listing top 5 weather apps that are worth some space in your clustered app collection.

1. Swackett

This is a fun new app that puts to use the general weather data into information that is specific and useful if you are planning for outdoor games. It rates the climate from excellent to poor for activities like golf, ski, tennis, etc. Also, it facilitates a visual weather reporter suggesting you how to dress in accordance with the environment through crafted people symbols called peeps. These swackett peeps sometimes carry an umbrella and the other times a jacket, depending upon the weather outside.

Platform: Swackett is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

2. Weather and Clock Widget

Weather and Clock Widget is a must-have app in our collection. Like other weather apps, it keeps users updated with the climate outside along with informative sunrise and sunset timings. Additionally, it supplements operators with other important facts like humidity, pressure, wind speed and direction. Along with the recorded temperature, the app gives precise weather notification with ‘feel like’ temperature. Besides that, the app assists users locate the exact position that they are presently at. That means, it acts like a map as well.

Platform: The app is supported by Android phones only and is absolutely free.

3. WeatherBug

WeatherBug is an easy-to-use application to keep a check on weather. Together with basic temperature notifications, the app comes with build-in alert system to warn operators if any significant change in weather can be felt in next few hours. It informs users about hurricanes, floods and other severe weather conditions. The USP of the application is that it displays a playable radar image of the forecast. This enables one to see from where the weather is coming from and in which direction it is moving. This app has one of the best radar features. Also, the warning system will alert you if you’re actively tracking that region.

Platform: It goes with both iOS and Android platforms.

4. The Weather Channel

The Weather Channel is among the highly downloaded weather apps. It provides accurate and up-to-date information about the temperature outside. Its features include usual gamut of weather conditions like wind speed, dew point, pressure, humility and more along with 36 hours and 10 days forecast options. Other features include options like Radar, Now, Videos, Forecast and News.

Platform: It is compatible with iOS and Android devices.

5. Yahoo! Weather

The winner of 2013 Design Awards by Apple, Yahoo! Weather is an app that will make your home screen gorgeous. It displays the image of users’ location along with weather notification, time and other specifications. It exhibits interactive radar, heat and satellite maps, which are neat. Also, one can get detailed weather forecast of up to 5 days to plan things accordingly.

Platform:Both iPhone and Android devices support the app.

December 22, 2014
Motorola Rolls Out Android Lollipop Update for Moto X (Gen 2) in India
Here’s an announcement for which all Moto X (Gen 2) owners in India were eagerly waiting for. Motorola revealed that it has started rolling out the Android 5.0 Lollipop for the Moto X (second generation) users in India. The company says that other Motorola devices will also be getting the update soon.

Lollipop, the latest version of the Android mobile operating system, was first released for Nexus 6. The update for the Moto X (2nd Gen) was first rolled out in Brazil, Mexico and the US.

Here are the steps to update the Moto X (Gen 2) to Lollipop:
1. Go to the app menu and select ‘Settings’ icon.
2. Select ‘About Phone’.
3. Select ‘System updates’.
4. Select ‘Download’.
5. Select ‘Install’ once the download is done.
6. Restart your phone once you have installed it.
With added fluidity through UI of the new Lollipop, users will now experience improved natural touch screen interactions. Along with that, the new Android update lets you have a look at the notifications on the lock screen itself and facilitates dismissing them without unlocking it.

With this announcement, the Schaumburg-based firm has fulfilled its commitment to offering its users a pure, bloatware-free and seamless Android experience.
December 20, 2014
Self-Guided Bullets, Now a Reality!

Remember the movie Wanted starring Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy? Remember how they used to bend bullets and make them change its path? In 2008, when the movie released, it was pure fiction, but today its reality! The United States Department of Defence has successfully tested a bullet that can change its path in mid-air after being fired.

The weapon developing company released the testing video of the bullet. The recording shows the bullet being fired twice, deliberately away from the direction of the target. The second time it changes its route and moves ahead towards the goal, penetrating it.

Titled Exacto (Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance), the weapon is developed by Teledyne Technologies. The firm is now making bullets for the agency of the United States Department of Defense, DARPA.

However, the company is tight-lipped about how the weapon works, but it is likely to have fins that help redirect its path. When a sniper flashes a laser at the goal, the bullet follows the mark in the air.

Meanwhile, this innovation has diminished the dependability of the defence section on snipers as these bullets do not need professionals. It would be interesting to see their range once they are fully developed.

December 19, 2014
Yosemite’s Popular Continuity Feature is Now Compatible With Older Macs

Back in mid-2014, we saw the release Apple’s OS X update Yosemite. The revised version was free to upgrade. However, there was a minor glitch in this set-up, some of its prominent features only supported Macs with Bluetooth 4.0. One such feature of the new update was Continuity/Handoff, but according to the latest revelation, this feature can now run on older Apple desktops as well.

Continuity is a term used by Apple for a range of new features that bring the iOS and Mac OS X devices closer. It offers you to seamlessly shift between Mac OS X and iOS devices; you can pick up on one device right where you left off on the other.

According to an update by a user on Reddit, the Continuity/Handoff tool can be activated just by adding a simple tool on your Mac. This tool makes the hardware compatible by adding Bluetooth 4.0 dongle to run Continuity on your 2008 Macs or later.

Continuity Activation Tool 2.0 has been released! Enable Continuity on many Macs from 2008 and later just by adding a Bluetooth 4.0 USB dongle. Many thanks to the community for the excellent beta testing work!

Given below is a list of Macs that will support Continuity. You can also learn about the Continuity Activation Tool on github.

December 16, 2014