Author: Parul Ritvik Sood

Top 5 Third-Party Keyboard Apps for iOS 8

iOS is finally here! According to Apple, the iOS 8 is the biggest iOS upgrade since Apple store’s origin. The new upgrade includes better photo-centric features with Photos app for the smarter shutterbug; messages with capability to share video and audio messages directly. However, the best feature to debut with iOS 8 is third-party keyboard apps support.

There will be a wave of new Keyboard software apps in coming months but ahead of them some app already made their debut. We have rounded up 5 keyboard apps for iOS 8, to let you decide which one suits you better.

1. Swype

Swype is already very popular with the Android community, with some manufacturers use Swype for their devices’ default keyboard. It was one of the first keyboards to let you drag your finger around on the screen, connecting the letters in a word, to type, instead of pecking at the screen. The app costs you 99 cents, and is also available for iPad, provides further customization options with five different themes.

2. Swiftkey

Swiftkey is another keyboard app which has been a favorite of Android users. The app is loved for its predictive-typing, adaptability and getting smarter the more you use it. It also incorporates a lot of flair with colorful skins, emojis, and multiple keyboard layouts. It also supports swipe-style input (called SwiftKey Flow). The free app is cloud-connected, so it can remember your personal language patterns and preferences across devices.

3. Fleksy

Fleksy almost same as the Swiftkey with its predictive-typing features, which try to understand what you want to type before you even tap the screen. In Android community, Fleksy is known as “world’s fastest keyboard”. It supports gesture-based typing, but also allows users to choose between small- or large-size keyboards.The $0.99 app comes with 800 of its own emojis, and amazing 40 languages support.

4. Ginger

Well, Ginger is little bit different from others in this list. It helps you improve your grammar and writing style as you type. Apart from basic text prediction, it is packed with tools to proofread, check your grammar, find synonyms, rephrase awkward sentences, and translate texts into other languages. There’s also a dictionary that you can customize with names, locations, slang, and unique words. It comes with a colourful theme, which is customisable too. However, the app is still in its process to come to the App Store.

5. PopKey

PopKey is one of a kind emoji-style keyboard app which is solely dedicated to GIFs. The app will allow users to quickly find and message their favorite GIFs with just a few taps. The GIFs will include dozens of themed categories that get updated in real-time with the latest trending topics and events.

September 19, 2014
Apple Posted a Guide to Help Android Users Switch to an iPhone

Apple is rolling out the new iOS 8 update tonight and the iPhone 6 devices are all prepped to be shipped. According to The Verge, the company appears to be expecting that a lot of people will be switching from Samsung, HTC, and other devices to their new iPhone.

To help users switch from Android to Apple devices, the company has provided a handy guide for moving all your digital documents from Android to an iOS device. The guide explains how Android users can transfer their important data including contacts, pictures, music, documents, and calendars from their old device to their new one.

It is said that users can move information over through iTunes and iCloud. However, it seems that the company hasn’t come up with any tools moving data between operating systems. The company also pointed out user ‘probably’ find the apps they like, but they’ll need to head to the Apple’s App Store and find them on their own.

The two new phones by Apple – the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, announced last week, went up for pre-order on 12th September. Apple reports that within the first 24 hours they recorded more than 4 million orders.

September 17, 2014
Exclusive : Moto X (Gen 2) to Go on Sale in India By End of Next Week

Well, Motorola has already launched the new version of the blockbuster Moto G. At the same event, the company had also announced the next gen Moto X and Moto 360, which the company said will go on sale by late September. Now, a source told iGyaan that the new gen Moto X may go on sale next week.

The smartphone’s Flipkart profile has already been uploaded which says ‘Coming Soon’. You can sign up for the newsletter, if you want to be among the first ones to get your hands on the smartphone.

The new Moto X is bulkier and boasts a number of new features and designs that should definitely increase the X’s demand.

The new Moto X is not much bigger than the previous one, with a 5.2 inch AMOLED display and it is still protected by Gorilla Glass. Moto X 2nd gen is about 0.5 inch wider than last year’s X. However, the refreshed model sports a 1080p full HD display instead of a 720p one. At the back, it has an updated 13-megapixel camera lens with 4x zoom and a ring flash. The camera has the ability to capture 4K video instead of just 1080p and it’s also got a new feature called Best Shot.

The device runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor with a 2.5GHz quad-core CPU, an Adreno 330 578MHz GPU and 2GB of RAM. It is powered by 2,300 mAh battery which Motorola claims will last a full day. The new Moto X has four microphones to help reduce background noise, and comes in a “splash guard” water repellent coating and will be available in both 16GB and 32GB variants.

The handset will be go on sale at end of the next week as mentioned above. The company at the launch event said that they will have enough stock this time. Pricing details have not yet been revealed by the company.

Check out our Hands on with the Moto X (Gen 2) below:

September 17, 2014

LG Introduces G3’s Mid-Tier Variant LG G3 Beat in India

LG has launched the new LG G3 Beat in India for the price of Rs. 25,000. The smartphone which was announced earlier this year is essentially a mid-tier variant of the flagship G3. The new LG G3 Beat will be available across the country retail outlets as well as on e-commerce websites.

LG Electronics India MD, Mr. Swoon Koon in a statement said,”Mobile communications needs to serve the requirements of a growing segment of consumers who are looking for a balance between style, design, features, and great performance, combined together at a favorable price. The LG G3 Beat represents our commitment to the mid-tier smartphone market that demands mature technology, proven performance, great innovation and an attractive price, all in a single device.”

On the hardware side, the G3 Beat fashions a 5-inch HD 720p display and is powered by a 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 quad-core processor paired with 1GB of RAM. Also included is 8GB of internal storage that can be further expanded using a microSD card. It is powered by 2540mAh battery and runs on Android 4.4.

The LG G3 Beat features the same ‘Floating Arc Design’ as seen on the LG G3, featuring smooth curved sides and gradually tapered edges. The highlight of the G3 Beat is its 8-megapixel rear camera which comes with the Laser Autofocus feature, same as the G3. However, it has a 1.3-megapixel front camera. Connectivity options on the LG G3 Beat include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, GPRS/ EDGE, A-GPS, GLONASS, NFC, Micro-USB, 3G and 4G LTE support

The device weighs 134 grams and will be available in black, white and gold. At this price point, the LG G3 Beat will be up against the likes of the Sony Xperia T3, Samsung Galaxy S5 mini, and the Oppo N1 mini.

Specs	LG G3 Beat
Display	5-inch 720p
Processor	1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 quad-core
RAM	1GB
Cameras	8-megapixel rear/1.3-megapixel front
Storage	8GB expandable
Battery	2,540mAh
Android OS	4.4.2 KitKat
Price	Rs 25,000

September 17, 2014

iOS 8 Update Will be Available for India Tonight

Apple users have been eagerly waiting for the latest iOS 8 software update. Following the announcement of the latest iPhones and smartwatch, Apple has now announced it will be rolling out the iOS 8 update this month and it is finally going to launch tonight after 10.30pm IST.

It will, of course, come pre-loaded on Apple’s new iPhone 6, but if you have no plans to upgrade your smartphone, you’re in luck. Current Apple phones users after the iPhone 4s model can upgrade to iOS 8. Read about all the new features of the iOS 8 here.

The devices which are compatible with the new upgrade include the iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S. The 5th generation iPod touch and all iPads except for the original one are also compatible with the iOS 8 update.

According to Apple, the iOS 8 is the biggest iOS upgrade since Apple store’s origin. The new upgrade includes better photo-centric features with Photos app for the smarter shutterbug; messages with capability to share video and audio messages directly (aka Whatsapp). Notifications have been given a major facelift as well to aid better iOS experience for iPhone/iPad users. Also third-party keyboard apps will be supported in iOS 8 for typing convenience.

September 17, 2014
The Adidas miCoach Smart Run Smartwatch is Here!

Adidas, the German sportswear giant, has introduced a new smart watch called the miCoach Smart Run. The new smartwatch, according to the company, is the most advanced and intuitive wrist based running device in the market. The smartwatch, which will be available exclusively on the Adidas website, will also allow runners to track their runs using GPS mapping.

“There are no cables, straps and additional sensors with this all-in-one device — Smart Run uses optical technology to track heart rate from wrist, an in-built accelerometer counting every step to help monitor stride rate and GPS to track speed, distance and logs,” said the company in a statement.

The watch is priced at Rs. 24,999 and is exclusively available at shop.adidas.co.in. The new device sports a 1.45 inch color touch screen display and also a MP3 player with Bluetooth wireless audio delivers music and audible coaching guidance. The Adidas miCoach app is already available on iOS and Android devices.

The new emerging market of smartwatches is swelling in a rapid speed with new devices launching practically every week. Last week, Apple announced its much-awaited smart watch called the Apple Watch, which comes with expensive sensors and NFC. While new Apple Watch is not dedicated to healthcare or athletics, it support apps like pedometer and heart rate monitor to help users monitor various bodily functions.

September 16, 2014
Sony Launched the Affordable Xperia E3 and E3 Dual in India

The Xperia E3, shown off by the company at IFA Berlin 2014, is a handset with lower specs matching its lower price point. And Sony launched the Xperia E3 and its dual SIM variant in India today.

The Sony Xperia E3 Dual comes in white, black and lime colour variants. It is priced at Rs. 12,990. On the other hand, the Xperia E3 comes in black and white color variants and is priced at Rs. 11,990. Both the single SIM and dual SIM variants sport similar specs which include a 4.5-inch capacitive touch screen display offering a resolution of 854 x 480 pixels. Both come powered by a 1.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 (MSM8226) processor with Adreno 305 GPU. The latest handsets are backed by 1GB RAM and run on 4.4 KitKat.

They come with a 5 megapixel camera on the rear with LED flash capable of recording video at 1080p and a 0.3MP (VGA) front-facing snapper. The camera also includes Sony’s innovative auto scene recognition feature and HDR for pictures. The camera apps that come pre-installed with the Xperia E3 include – AR fun, Social live, Timeshift Burst and AR Effect.

The E3 and E3 Dual both come with a 2330mAh battery and Sony’s STAMINA mode for enhanced battery performance which delivers up to 12 hours 20 minutes of talk time, and up to 706 hours of standby time. The network and connectivity options include – 4G LTE, 3G, GPRS/ EDGE, Wi-Fi, A-GPS with Glonass, USB 2.0, FM radio with RDS, Bluetooth 4.0, and a 3.5mm jack.

Since Google has also announced its first lot of Android One handsets in India yesterday, the new Xperia E3 smartphones are here to face a ton of competition in the market.

September 16, 2014

Unboxing and Hands On : Xolo Play 8x-1100

The new Xolo Play 8X-1100 is a new edition of Xolo’s Play series. The new handset will be competing against the likes of Xiaomi Mi3 and Moto G (gen 2). Xolo Play 8X-1100 comes with a 5-inch 720×1280 display, powered by a 1.7GHz processor alongside 2GB RAM and a 13-megapixel rear camera.

The device runs on Android 4.4 KitKat, supports USB OTG and is powered by 2100 mAh battery.

Specs	Xolo Play 8X-1100
Display	5.00 inch, 720×1280 pixels, 294 ppi
Battery capacity (mAh)	2100, removable
Processor	1.7GHz octa-core
RAM	2 GB
Memory	16GB, expandable uto 32 GB
Camera	13 MP primary, 5 MP secondary
Operating System	Android 4.4 KitKat

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September 16, 2014

Microsoft to Unveil Windows 9 Preview on 30th September

As expected, Microsoft is all set to announce the new major version of the Windows OS. In line with the developing rumors, Microsoft has rolled out the invites of the Windows 9 event which is going to be held on September 30th in San Francisco. The event will focus on enterprise and power users of Windows, with Joe Belfiore and Terry Myerson leading a discussion about the future of Windows.

The company is expected to roll out the “Windows Technical Preview” at the event or soon after, so that developers and enterprise customers can test the number of changes the company has made. The recent rumors and leaks had suggested the addition of a new Start menu, a virtual desktops feature, and a Notification Center.

Microsoft is also expected to fine-tune its desktop user interface to improve and flatten the traditional icons along with some changes in the taskbar for Contara integration and virtual desktop. Other changes are expected to come on a regular basis. The Windows Technical Preview will be available until the operating system is complete and ready for release next year.

September 16, 2014
Whatsapp’s New Voice Calling Feature May Arrive Sooner Than Expected

Whatsapp, the popular messaging app, has given a hard time to telecom operators by eating up their revenue. However, Whatsapp’s arsenal had been missing one big feature, Voice calling. Talks about the new voice calling feature on Whatsapp have been on since February. It all started when WhatsApp CEO, Jan Kuom, announced that the voice calling feature would be added to Android and iPhones first, followed by BlackBerry, Nokia and Microsoft platforms.

Now, it seems that the long-awaited feature will come to the app sooner than expected. A pop-up has been spotted on the app window that seeks user’s permission to use the microphone, hinting the voice-calling feature to be a part of their next update. The latest WhatsApp update was released for the iPhone on September 8. With it, WhatsApp added several features such as improved location sharing and fast camera access.

However, the release notes never mentioned about a pop-up, which requests access to the microphone every time the app is opened. The pop-up will only appear to those people who have not already allowed the app to access their device’s microphone.

WhatsApp is the world’s most popular messaging app with over 600 million users. The messaging app was acquired by Facebook earlier this year in a deal worth $19 billion.

September 16, 2014
Get Ready for Low-Cost Smartphones, Google Set to Launch Android One Today

Google will uncover the first of its series of budget smartphones under the much anticipated Android One today. This initiative gives a key set of references for hardwares to help phone manufacturers make minimal cost smartphones. The phones will be unveiled by Sundar Pichai, Google’s SVP of Android, Chrome & Apps in New Delhi.

Google is expected to launch a range of Android One smartphones, mostly priced under Rs 6,000, via domestic online stores. These have been developed in partnership with local mobile phone manufacturers such as Micromax, Karbonn and Spice. These smartphones are expected to be loaded with top-end features such as dual core chip, 5 MP camera and 4.5-inch display.

Indian tech market has been ruled by budget friendly and value for money devices. The company first unveiled the Android one initiative in June this year at Google’s annual I/O conference as a move to take the platform to markets where low-priced phones with fewer features and less memory are in high demand.

By modifying the working framework, some programming and packaging it with Google’s own service, its web search tool, Android One will help scale up the business for Google.

Android One is tipped to be a game changer in the smartphone market, delivering a better experience to users. The race to make the least expensive smartphone pressed with specs is just going to get bigger as more companies are looking at the budget segment of the Indian market.

September 15, 2014
Popkey for iOS 8 is the World’s First Animated GIF Keyboard

When iOS 8 was announced back in WWDC 2014, one of the main highlights of the new update was the inclusion third-party keyboard apps. This meant that developers would be able to bring third-party keyboard apps to the iPhone, a feature users have been waiting for since practically the launch of iOS.

With this new feature, apps like SwiftKey was expected to be part of the new OS but a new keyboard app is something most iPhone users probably never even expected. The upcoming Popkey keyboard app offer users a totally different keyboard which comprised entirely of animated GIFs.

With this new keyboard you’ll be able to browse featured and trending GIFs, upload your own, save your favorites, and quickly access the GIFs you recently used. You can also browse based on keywords: For instance, tapping LOL will bring up a collection of funny GIFs. There are separate sections for “LOL,” “shocked,” “facepalm,” “swag” and other ideas/words frequently expressed in GIF form.

While iMessage already supports inline GIFs (via copy and paste), Adrian Salamunovic, co-founder of WorkshopX, the company behind PopKey, says this app streamlines the process of searching and sending. Much like the existing emoji keyboard in iOS, PopKey contains different themed sections, each of which will include dozens of GIFs. But rather than keywords, the app is organized by reactions and emotions.

There’s no firm launch date for PopKey, but you can sign up to be notified when the app launches on their website.

September 13, 2014
Indian Teen Invents an Affordable Device That Helps the Speechless Speak

A 16-year old boy, Arsh Shah Dilbagi, has developed a device that helps people with developmental disabilities, like Locked-In Syndrome and ALS, to communicate using only their breath. Dilbagi entered Google’s Global Science Fair to showcase his device and became the only finalist from Asia to get selected this year.

The device which he calls ‘TALK’, turns the breath into signal which are read by Morse code and then converted into speech. A student of 11th standard at DAV International School, Panipat, Arsh claims that the device even allows almost entirely speech impaired and paralyzed people to communicate like never before.

The devices like this, which comes under Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device category, are usually very expensive like the kind used by physicist Stephen Hawking. However, TALK will be the world’s cheapest and fastest AAC. Dilbagi says it is not possible for all those who have motor-neuro disabilities to afford an AAC device that costs $7,000 (Rs 4.26 lakh).

“AAC devices available in the market are very expensive, slow, bulky and not generic. I decided to find a better solution — an AAC device which is faster, portable and generic and costs only $80 (Rs 5,000), making it affordable to the large population,” he explains.

Dilbagi further explained that TALK expects a person to be able to give two distinguishable exhales with varying intensities, for converting them into electrical signals using a microphone. The signals are processed by a microprocessor, called the ‘Morse engine’, which labels the short exhales as ‘dots’ and longer exhales as ‘dashes’. These are further interpreted through the Morse code which converts the signals into words and then sends them to another microprocessor for synthesizing them into voice. According to Dilbagi, TALK features two modes – one to communicate in English, and the other to give specific commands and phrases. These are communicated in nine different voices enabled according to gender and age.

“I even got predicted results by testing the device on a person suffering from encephalopathy (global brain dysfunction) and Parkinson’s disease,” he has claimed in his proposal to Google. He adds, “In the future, I would like to add auto-predictions to my computing engine and integrate TALK with modern technology like Google Glass to make it easier for people with developmental disabilities.”

This kind of invention shows how this country has capable minds who can produce incredible innovation. So if you think you have a great idea, get on it. Doesn’t matter what your age is or where you come from. As long as you have a great idea, you trust it and are ready to undertake dedicated hard work, you can, “Change the World”. However, we cannot help but think how boring Hector Salamanca from Breaking Bad would have been if he had this device, it’s good that guy only had a bell to blow up.

September 13, 2014
The Light and Powerful Nikon D750 Comes to the Market

Nikon has launched a new hybrid camera D750. It combines the best features from Nikon’s D810, and the company’s flagship D4S, and wraps them inside a smaller, lighter body. Nikon D750 is full frame DSLR that slots in between the D610 and D810. Replacing the crowd’s favourite D700, this new camera is actually the lightest among Nikon’s traditional pro series.

The D750 has a 24-megapixel FX format CMOS sensor, an Expeed 4 image processor (the same one seen in the much pricier D810), a more light-sensitive 51-point autofocus system, and an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 12,800. It weighs around 750g, it’s significantly lighter than both the D4S and D810, and even bests Nikon’s D610 and Canon’s full-frame EOS 6D

.

It uses a 51-point autofocus system that’s near identical to the higher-end cameras, so you get 15 cross-type AF sensors, 11 of which work up to f/8. The D750 supports burst shooting at 6.5 frames per second in full resolution, which may come as a slight disappointment for those hoping to use it for sports or fast action.

The D750’s greatest strength is its low-light performance. Its ISO range extends from 100 to 12,800 (plus Nikon’s Hi2 mode offers an equivalent of ISO 51,200), and this thing can practically see in the dark and focus at -3EV. That’s a first for any Nikon DSLR. It’s better than what the D810 can manage; even the D4S is only capable of focusing as low as -2EV.

However, the light weight doesn’t come at the cost of functionality. The D750 includes a new 3.2-inch tilting LCD, built-in Wi-Fi, and space for two SD cards. It’s the company’s first FX format camera to have a tilting LCD screen which is 3.2-inches diagonally. It is the first camera to have built-in WiFi which has been crammed into a body that’s thinner than usual. It shoots 1080p at 60, 30, or 24fps with full control over aperture whenever you’re filming. A Power Aperture feature, borrowed from the D810, smooth outs transitions when you’re adjusting aperture.

The Nikon D750 will be available with price tag of $2300 which falls between the $1900 D610 and the $3300 D810. It’s got the same resolution sensor as the D610 as well as a similarly compact design. The D750 is going on sale from September 23rd in a body-only configuration. A kit including Nikon’s 24-120 f/4 lens will follow up in October.

September 12, 2014
Top 5 Smartphones You Could Buy Instead of the iPhone 6

Apple’s latest flagship is finally out and the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be available in India from the 17th of October. Many of you are probably waiting to get your hands on one. Though it shows marked improvements from its previous iteration, the new iPhone faces stiff competition from its Android rivals. Furthermore, Apple has been criticized to adopt the new technologies and design in a very slow pace. With handful of smartphones already offering the same technology and productivity, Apple’s new iPhone flagship has already been mocked.

We are listing top 5 smartphones which you can buy instead of iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus.

5. HTC One M8/E8

HTC’s flagship is regarded as one of the best Android flagships right now. Sure, it has its flaws, but there’s still a lot to love about it. The HTC One (M8) measures 5-inch, with a chassis of 146.4 x 70.6 x 9.4mm. When compared to the smaller model, it’s clear that the HTC One (M8) is a lot bigger. The HTC One (M8)’s 5in Super LCD3 screen is one of the many reason tech critics love this smartphone.. Throw on top a pixels per inch count of 441 ppi, and the HTC One (M8) boasts a crisp, clear and sharp display protected by super-strong Gorilla Glass 3. The HTC One (M8) is one of the most modern, accomplished smartphones we’ve seen in terms of design. With a fill metal body and elegantly curved edges, it more than matches the iPhone 6.

4. Google Nexus 5

The Nexus 5 has a very competitive display with LG’s “True HD” IPS+ LCD technology which provides some pretty sharp visual quality. It has a 1920 x 1080 pixel full HD resolution on a 4.95-inch panel at 445ppi. Apple’s iPhone 6 launch revealed the company’s new mobile payment system, Apple Pay, which combines Touch ID with NFC to allow you to pay for items at point of sale counters equipped with contactless card readers. However, Nexus 5 gives you great alternative to this with Google Wallet and the built-in NFC and that too at a cheaper price tag.

3. Xiaomi Mi4

Xiaomi Mi4 provides you with better screen resolution density of 441ppi when compared to the iPhone 6/6+ which are at 336ppi and 401ppi respectively. Xiaomi uses Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 compared to iPhone 6’s Dual-core 1.4 GHz Cyclone. Also you get 1GB of RAM extra in Mi4 and a better cameras too (Mi4 – Rear: 13 MP + Front Facing: 8 MP vs iPhone 6 -Rear: 8 MP + Front Facing: 1.2 MP). And yes, don’t forget with the pricing, you can buy three Mi4 together in the price of one iPhone 6, once they are launched here that is.

2. OnePlus One

The OnePlus One shares the same display size as the iPhone 6 Plus at 5.5-inches. It has powerful video recording and imaging capabilities, strong performance components and much more, all at an extremely low price point. The phone also uses CyangogenMod 11S, which allows for an amazing amount of flexibility and freedom, unlike Apple’s iOS, which has several restrictions. Also, the OnePlus One costs a third of the iPhone 6 Plus and offers most of the same features.

1. Galaxy Note 4

Samsung’s newly launched Note series flagship has been appreciated by reviewers even before it has started shipping. The phone includes all software features of Galaxy S5, in addition to features optimised for the S Pen stylus that Apple can’t even think of touching. Samsung Note 4 has a QHD resolution (2560x1440p) while Apple’s new iPhone 6 has a full-HD display (1920x1080p). The Note 4 also packs in more pixels per inch at 515ppi compared to iPhone 6 Plus (401ppi). This means text and images would look sharper on the Note 4. Also, the Galaxy Note 4 is considered as one of the most powerful Android devices around.

September 12, 2014