Author: Parul Ritvik Sood

Top 5 App that Every Movie Buff Should Download

Being a movie buff is not an easy task, your desktop usually overflows with new downloads and it’s hard to keep track of every movie you watch. I used to juggle with my movie collection and all the film-related stuff. Until now. I have found a perfect solution: my Smartphone. There are loads of apps that let you manage films, watch trailers, play games etc. I have listed 5 of my favorite apps that I think every movie-buff should have:

1. Flixster

Flixster is a very popular app that gives you an on-hand experience of equally popular website of same name. The app enables you to compare movie ratings and tastes with film buffs around the net. In addition to user ratings, Flixster grants you instant access to a flick’s freshness rating at aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, which it owns. You can also use it to find movie information, showtimes, maps and ticket prices, or to watch trailers. The app is well suited for both; a one-stop shop for planning a night out or as an app that will help you brag about your film knowledge.

2. Scene it?

This one is one of my favorite movie apps of all time. Makers of the app, Screenlife, started out with DVD and card-based party games for film buffs. Which then evolved and spread to consoles such as Xbox 360, PlayStation and Wii, social media sites such as Facebook, and now to the mobile platforms of iPhone and iPad. The app serves up trivia, images and video optimized for mobile devices. It’s designed for party play, and the iPad hi-def version is amazing. Available genre packs include comedy, romance and horror, as well as the Twilight series, the Harry Potter series and the TV show “30 Rock.”

3. My Movies

My Movies is just the right app for a typical movie buff. Simply add your movies manually or scan their bar codes using your phone’s camera, and you’re off and running. You can browse details about your flicks, watch trailers for movies in your collection and search and filter by type (DVD, Blu-ray, HD DVD), genre, watched, parental rating levels, production years, personal categories and online status. It’s also a handy way to keep track of which movies you’ve loaned out and it might prevent you from buying a movie you already own on VHS, Beta, DVD, special edition and Blu-ray.

4. RunPee

Well it’s true, nobody can make it through the Lord of the Rings trilogy without making a trip to the bathroom. As an unfortunate consequence you sometimes miss most important part of movie. Well, RunPee is an app that will solve this problem. This app lists slow times in each film best suited for taking care of business, it also tells you how long you can be away (usually four minutes) and what you’ll miss. The app also lists what happens in the first five minutes of the film, and whether there’s a teaser clip waiting for you after the credits roll.

5. BookMyShow

We couldn’t complete the list without mentioning the most useful one for India. The mobile counterpart of the popular ticketing website BookMyShow is as effective as its web version. It provides every possible option you get in desktop version. It’s the mere simplicity and clean interface of this app that makes ticket booking very easy.The interesting thing is it shows if any of your friends on Facebook are also gonna watch the same movie.

June 30, 2014
This Start-Up is Recycling Old Smartphones to Save Trees

A lot of us have our old smartphones lying around as junk. Selling them wouldn’t add much to our bank accounts and fixing them would cost too much. What if you could donate it for a good cause? Well, a San Francisco based start-up called Rainforest Connection may have found the perfect solution. The company is planning on recycling old smartphones into devices that detect deforestation and alert authorities to illegal logging activity or poaching.

The smartphone is connected to a solar panel that will power the smartphone which is programmed to pick up destructive sounds, such as chainsaws or alarmed animals. Hidden in the trees, this device will alert local authorities via text message, who can then respond immediately. Also, anyone who downloads the Rainforest Connection app can listen live to the sounds of the Sumatra rainforest.

The start-up has conducted an experiment which built a security network of devices in the Air Tarusan reserve in western Sumatra to prevent illegal logging.

It is a simple idea, that will make a huge difference. Ambient sounds in the rainforest will be continuously recorded and screened using the phones’ microphones and onboard software. Any noises that match the sound-signature of a chainsaw will trigger an alert, providing rangers with information to intervene and stop the deforestation, according to Rainforest Connection’s website.

Alerts can be sent using cell networks that already exist wherever the devices are installed. For instance, in Sumatra Rainforest, home of a small batch of phones the company is installed and unlimited cell phone data cost was just $2.89 per month.

Each phone covers a circular area of about a third of a square mile, which means 15 phones are insufficient for all of Air Tarusan’s 96 square miles of old-growth forest, but it’s a start.

Current anti-deforestation efforts are aided mainly by satellites, which do not provide live updates. This means responders are often too late to stop environmental crimes before they happen. But Rainforest Connection’s device can detect exact locations and times, instantly providing information on which areas of the forest are in danger.

Right now, Rainforest Connection has able to collect 21% of it’s pledged goal which is $100,000. The company’s effort to raise funds is backed by singer Neil Young, who appears in a video on Rainforest Connection’s Kickstarter page.

June 29, 2014
Android TV : Could it Mean Third Time Lucky for Google?
Google has been trying very hard to get into our living rooms for long time now. Google TV was introduced way back in 2010 with the first Google TV’s being made by Sony and Logitech. In the second generation of devices, LG, Asus and others had also partnered on Google TV. But sadly, Google TV wasn’t a success. Nor was the Nexus Q which was a media-streaming entertainment device introduced in June 2012. Even Nexus Q wasn’t much of a success and later was replaced by Chromecast which was launched at last year’s Google I/O.

Though, it seems like Google’s new Android TV may have a bright future ahead of it. Since Google has only showcased the developer-kit of the Android TV called ADT-1, you won’t be able to buy it for a while. But that won’t be an issue once manufacturers begin selling their consumer-facing devices later this fall. Android TV is still in pre-production, so a lot of things are likely to change between now and its final release.

Unlike its previous effort in smart TV software mentioned above, Android TV will work with a number of different chipsets. It’s designed to enable Android developers to create apps using the same Android toolset that they use for mobile phones and tablets.

Android TV will play movies and TV shows, and users will be able to control it via mobiles phones and tablets. Google Engineering Director Dave Burke showed off how the system works to enable search and navigation either via text or voice. He even showed off the ability to control the TV via an Android Gear Smartwatch.

Chromecast will run on Android TV with full support, so users can beam content from their mobile devices straight to the TV. The new platform also enables users to launch an app store developed specifically for a 10/UI.

According to Google, the OS will be available for smart TVs (Sony and Sharp have signed on to build televisions with the OS built in), media streamers, set-top boxes, cable boxes and micro consoles. This platform will be ideal for those manufacturers that are interested in getting into the smart TV businesses, but don’t have the resources to develop their own ecosystem. It’s a good opportunity for smaller companies and start-ups to help building the Android TV hardware.

Google pointed out some technical requirements to ensure that Android TV doesn’t offer an inconsistent user experience such as:
- 2GB of RAM,
- 8GB of flash storage,
- WiFi and/or Ethernet,
- Bluetooth 4,
- Play-ready DRM,
- Widevine level
Companies also suggested to incorporate mics for voice input, and standardized controller button mapping. These guidelines are cricial because the system needs to be powerful enough to handle graphic-intensive games, entertainment apps and connectivity between the TV and mobile devices via Google Cast which Google is focusing on with Android TV.

No one can give a final verdict for Android TV as yet, company has a long way ahead as far as it is concerned. Of course, a lot will depend on the pricing of the new software which has to compete with the already settled Smart TV makers.
June 29, 2014
Apple Launches an Updated 16GB iPod Touch With a Low Price Tag in India

It’s been two years, Apple has’t come up with any notable updates about its iPod Touch products. Without any formal announcement Apple decided to launch its 16GB iPod touch in India. The new device comes with a 5MP iSight camera as well as a lower price tag.

Earlier, the 16GB variant was the only member of the iPod family that came without a rear camera and was available only in Silver color. Now, like the 32GB and 64GB variants, it will come with a 5-megapixel iSight rear camera capable of recording full-HD video and will be available in Pink, Yellow, Blue, Silver, Space Grey, and Red color.

The iSight camera is the same which was found on the aged iPhone 4. The updated and cheaper 16GB iPod touch now comes with pricetag of Rs 16,900. The other sizes are getting a price drop, too. The 32GB is priced at Rs 20,900, and the 64GB is for Rs 24,900. This is probably because of the continued slide in iPod sales as more people shift to smartphones as their preferred mobile entertainment device.

All members of the iPod touch family now feature the same 4-inch Retina display, 5-megapixel iSight camera, Apple A5 SoC, and FaceTime (front-facing) camera. The A5 processor is also used in the iPhone 4S. The iPod touch runs iOS 7 with support for Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant. The company claims 40 hours of battery life with audio playback, and 8 hours of video playback.

Apple had launched its ‘iPod’ range of portable media players in 2001 and its various versions include iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano, iPod Touch and iPod Classic. According to the company’s annual report, Apple globally sold over 26.3 million units of iPods in the year ending September 28, 2013.

June 28, 2014
5 Easy Ways You Can Shoot Underwater This Summer

Summers are here in full force and its that time when we can beat the heat and enjoy swim sessions with friends and family. Now it would be nice to ingrain some of these fun memories digitally. But there is always that horrifying thought of dropping your phone in the water. Luckily, companies these days are coming up with new devices that can shoot and click near or underwater without any damage caused.

Here is the list of awesome devices that will help you click and shoot underwater:

1.Sony’s Xperia Z2

If you’re really serious about it, you could invest in a new phone. Sony started the ball rolling for high-end water resistant smartphones when it announced the Xperia Z back in 2013. Since then in almost all its top-of-the-range Xperia Android phones have been able to survive a dunking. It is touted to be the World’s best camera and camcorder in a waterproof smartphone device. We’d give this one some serious thought.

2.HitCase For iPhone

The Hitcase Pro for iPhone 5 turns your iPhone into a rugged GoPro style video camera with a fisheye lens and a water proof and shock proof case. There are also optional accessories available which help users mount their iPhone 5 to a car, boat and helmet. The Hitcase Pro works great in extreme environments or while playing extreme sports. Use it for any activity where someone might want to shoot video with an iPhone 5 camera, but can’t hold the phone while shooting.

3.Panasonic Lumix TS5

Panasonic Lumix TS5 is still the best rugged, waterproof camera for the second year running. No competitor can match its excellent photo and video quality under a variety of conditions both above and below water. The camera can dive upto 13metres deep and can even withstand a 2 metre drop.

4.The Olympus Tough TG-2

The Olympus TG-2 is a fantastic splashproof pocket camera, one that you can take snorkeling on its own, or take it deeper while diving using its PT-053 Underwater Housing. In addition, the TG-2 Tough lives up to its name, as it is shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof and dustproof. With a fast f2.0 lens, and an impressive depth rating of 50 feet (without a housing), the Olympus TG-2 is a great camera to keep with you on the boat, and take with you while swimming or in any damp environment without any concern for it getting wet.

5.GoPro Dual Hero system

And lastly, its the super-cool housing that GoPro introduced recently. It can accommodate two HERO 3+ Black Edition cameras enabling you to capture full-resolution video and photos simultaneously without compromised image quality. By having two separate cameras housed in the Dual HERO System, you will be able to record video and still images at the same time. Having the two cameras focussed on the same subject, it will also make the recording of 3D video that much easier.

June 28, 2014
GoPro Introduces Impressive New Housing For 3D Capture
The maker of “the world’s most versatile camera” unveiled a new system that accommodates two cameras at the same time, adding a bit to the adventure. The housing can accommodate two HERO 3+ Black Edition cameras enabling you to capture full-resolution video and photos simultaneously while not compromising the image quality. While the Dual system won’t be available for a while, GoPro also introduced two new housings plus a flexible mount that should appeal to a number of users, especially divers.

By having two separate cameras housed in the Dual HERO System, you will be able to record video and still images at the same time. Having the two cameras focused on the same subject, it will make the recording of 3D video that much easier.

Not only will the Dual Hero system capture synchronized footage that can be converted to 3D, the set up will also allow you to capture simultaneous photo and video footage. You can already do that to a point with a standard camera, but the Dual system allows for full quality photo and video to be taken at once.

GoPro has also thrown in a pair of free 3D anaglyph glasses with this Dual HERO System , so you will be able to edit or view the footage straight from a 3D compatible monitor or television. Made from the same waterproof material, it works on a single interface so that you can control both unit through only one camera’s settings and modes. The new Dual Hero is waterproof upto 60 meters and has been built to withstand wet, damp or dirty conditions. This system has more perks some of them are mentioned below:
- Integrated Mini USB port enables data offload, battery charging and live-feed video when used with the included Skeleton Backdoor
- Includes two sets of Curved + Flat Adhesive Mounts for mounting to your gear
- Includes two pairs of 3D anaglyph glasses for viewing your 3D content
- Compatible with most GoPro mounts
- Compatible with the GoPro App and Wi-Fi Remote
Requiring a GoPro Composite or Combo Cable, you will be able to accesses the Dual HERO System’s integrated Mini USB port for data offload, battery charging, and live-feed video to an external monitor.

You can get your hands on it for $200. The HERO+ Black cameras will be sold separately. The system is available on the official website for sale.
June 28, 2014
Moto 360 Finally Unveiled, While LG G Watch And Samsung Gear Live Are Now For Sale

Exciting new Android Wear was finally showcased at the Google I/O 2014 with announcements of the launches of LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live. The only one remaining is the Moto 360 smartwatch, which won’t be available to pre-order until later this summer.

Samsung’s Gear Live and LG’s G Watch, both powered by Android Wear are the first devices to adopt the new Google software specifically designed for wearables. The G Watch is equipped with Google’s voice recognition service and can perform the simplest of tasks including checking email, sending text messages and carrying out an online search at users’ voice command.

The Samsung Gear Live

Both of the devices cannot make phone calls by themselves but can be connected to many of the latest Android-based smartphones. A typical smartwatch allows users to make calls, receive texts and e-mails, take photos and access apps. The G Watch opened Thursday for online pre-order in 12 countries including the United States, France and Japan before it hits stores in 27 more including Brazil and Russia, which is touted for early July. Read our story about the Top 4 Awesome things Google Android Wear can do.

The LG G Watch

Gear Live was also available for online pre-order from Thursday. Samsung introduced its Android-based Galaxy Gear smartwatch last year but it was given a lukewarm reception by consumers. Samsung’s arch rival Apple is believed to readying to launch its own smartwatch soon.

Despite the Moto 360 still being one of the first watches to arrive running Android Wear OS, there is still some time before you can get your hands on the device. Google did, however, demonstrate many of the features that will be available to these devices, including voice commands for sending texts, getting directions, and music playback. With the smartwatch you’ll also be able to receive and dismiss notifications, accept or decline calls, and dictate notes and reminders.

The Moto 360

The looks of the Motorola smartwatch is its best feature. According to the team, the round design is meant to appeal to both genders while ditching the sharp corners that can dig into your wrist. The shape is an improvement over the square designs that we normally see on smartwatches, which makes the Moto 360 look like a regular fashionable watch from a distance.

The launch of Android Wear is fueling the empty smartwatch market. If Android Wear’s market takes of, our domestic lives will be soon be ruled by Android powered smart devices. Unless, Apple surprises us with its contender.

June 26, 2014
Top 4 Awesome Things Google Android Wear Can Do

If Google achieves its goal, Android will be not only on the phone in your pocket, but also wrapped around your wrist soon. As Google pointed out that we check our phones 125 time per day on an average, the new wearable gadget, aptly dubbed as Smartwatch, will take on much of that burden from the hand set.

During an I/O 2014 demo, it showed how smartwatches like LG’s G Watch paired with Android 4.3 or higher phones which will display the most important info to you at any given time. That includes flights, the weather, your commute, appointments, reminders, notes and messages. Here are the list of thing Android Wear can do:

1. Search

One feature that comes handy with Android wear is ‘Google Now’. If you’ve used Google voice search or Google Now on an Android smartphone you’ll know what to expect here. Google Now is built into Google’s search app on both Android and iOS and serves as an answer to Apple’s Siri. A virtual digital assistant, just without the sarcasm and personality that the iPhone’s disembodied voice is known for. Google Now is all about answers—it can answer a wide range of questions, make recommendations and predict what information users need based on what they are doing or where they are at.

You can ask Google Now, what song is playing, for nearby locations, for the latest sports score, and for the weather forecast. Even better Google Now shows search information before users even ask for it—such as flight information popping up when you have to catch the plane. All of this information is presented on white cards that slide up on the watch face and can be tapped or flicked for more info, or swiped away when no longer needed—this too is the familiar Google Now user interface and similar to what Google Glass does, which is also powered by Android.

2. Voice

Google Now is dependent on two types of input; speech and text while we use it on the phone. With Android Wear nobody seems to be typing. Rather, all the input seems to be dependent on voice commands for both search and messaging. Though, it seems that using Android wear in noisy places like concerts or stadiums will be a tough task. But on the other hand, Google does have a reputation for best-in-class voice recognition.

3. Location

Finding location is one of the key features of the Android Wear. Same as Google Now, Android Wear will aim on hands-free and voice navigation. Being a Google product will also send various notification based on the location like possibility of rain, good resturants around, warning about floods in the area etc.

4. Fitness

One more important function is its fitness tracking. Right now, such functions are being handled by devices like the Jawbone’s Up, the Fitbit and the Nike+ FuelBand. With Android Wear, Google clearly wants the only thing on your wrist to be an Android powered watch. One example high at Google I/O is showing the number of steps taken for the day and week. Android Wear devices made with heart rate monitors will also be able to tap into that data for compatible apps.

After showing-off Android Wear, Google announced a number of upcoming devices that will run its new platform. Chief among them was the new Samsung Gear Live, company’s first device to use Google’s wearable platform, along with LG G watch which are now available to preorder from the Google Play store. But those interested in the Moto 360 smartwatch will have to wait, as Google said it won’t be available to pre-order until later this summer.

June 26, 2014
Another Moto G Competitor Launched, Meet The HTC Desire 516
The new HTC Desire 516 Dual Sim secretly went online in eBay for Rs 13,302. Now, the Taiwanese vendor has officially launched the phone in the country for Rs 14,200. Well, availability of this device will certainly spice up the already crowded segment.

The HTC Desire 516 is equipped with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean skinned with HTC Sense UI v5.1 and is a Dual Sim Smartphone that will give though competition to the Moto G. The handset that is already available in China, runs on Snapdragon 200 SoC with quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 processor and a Adreno 302 GPU with 1 GB of RAM.

Desire 516 sports a 5-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and backside-illuminated sensor (BSI), while it also houses a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. The HTC Desire 516 packs a 1950mAh battery that is rated to deliver up to 9 hours of talk time with no word on standby time.

The smartphone will be available in Black and White colour variants only. It comes with dimensions 140x72x9.7mm and weighs 160 grams. The Desire 516 is currently on sale at eBay and was first spotted by Maktech blog.

The company had also launched Desire 816 in May through Flipkart in India at Rs. 24,450. Well, the new device has a direct competition with Moto G. Moto G is priced at INR 12,499, and is equipped with 4.5 inches HD Display, 1.2 GHz Snapdragon 400 quad-core processor. 1 GB RAM, 8 GB or 16 GB Internal Storage, 5MP rear and 1.3MP front camera and runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat.

Key Features of HTC Desire 516 –
- 5-inch Capacitive Touchscreen Display (540 x 960 pixels)
- Android v4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) OS
- 1.2 GHz, Quad core, Qualcomm QSC6270
- Adreno 302
- 1 GB RAM, 4GB Internal Memory (expandable upto 32GB via microSD card)
- 5 MP Primary Camera with LED Flash, 2 MP Secondary Camera
- Dual SIM, GSM+GSM
- GPRS, EDGE, 3G, HSDPA, Wi-Fi 802.11, b/g/n, Bluetooth, A-GPS, GPS, USB Connectivity
- 1950 mAH Battery
[poll id=”11″]
June 26, 2014
Here Is What Happened At The Google I/O

The developer’s conference, Google I/O was kicked off with with a ton of interesting news. Google has taken the wraps off and unveiled several new products, including the Android TV, Android Auto and the Android L. The keynote for the Google I/O 2014 developer conference created a lot of buzz for the tech community. Here is a list of some of the keynotes from the conference:

Android Wear

We finally got to see smartwatches running on Google’s Android Wear OS, in the form of LG’s G Watch and the Samsung Gear Live.The watches connect with your smartphones to provide direct access to handset notifications, allowing you keep check on your mobile apps without using your phone. And yes, they are also equipped with sensors that can monitor things like how many steps you took and your heart rate.

AndroidOne

Google also announced a new set of hardware reference platforms, called AndroidOne. This will provide opportunity for Google’s partners, such as Micromax. This also means that companies will now be able to develop devices quickly and cheaply.With AndroidOne, Google aims to bring a quality Android experience to the emerging markets, at affordable prices.

Android ‘L’

It may not have been announced officially just yet, but we did get a peek at what Google’s plans for it are. The next “L” version of Android is updated with a new software layer called Android Runtime (ART) that Google claims will double performance. It will also be bringing an entirely new interface with it. Google is calling the new look Material Design, and it focuses on the dynamic animations and creating depth through the use of virtual lighting and shadows. The design will also be consistent across all of Google’s apps on all devices associated with it.

Chromebook

Google Chromebooks are focused on avalabilty of the Internet at budget prices. And this year these Chromebooks have gotten several new tricks under their sleeves. You’ll soon be able to receive calls and notifications of your phone right from your Chromebook, and open Android apps on the device.

Android TV

Google’s Android TV is another initative all set to rule our domestic lives. With Android TV, smartphones, tablets, and even smartwatches, can now replace your old remote control. The entire platform is designed to give you a fresh Android experience on the biggest screen in your house.

Android Auto

Competing against Apple’s CarPlay, Google announced a new interface for cars that will create a whole new hands-free Android experience to your vehicle’s navigation system. Now, plugging your device into a compatible car will launch Android Auto, with Google Now-style info cards, navigation directions, and some awesome features like dictating text messages or letting you answer calls, without taking your eyes off the road.

Chromecast

Though there was no news about new Chromecast during the event, still Google hinted a few updates on the streaming media stick including its ability to mirror your entire Android device directly onto your television screen. The Chromecast’s biggest weakness is obviously the lack of supporting apps, and this new feature shall solve this problem.

June 26, 2014
5 Phones You Could Buy Instead of The BlackBerry Z3

Today BlackBerry launched its new Z3 handset in India. Though the company is trying hard to come back to the business of which they were once the front-runners, the company has failed to deliver a recommendable product. The new device is priced at INR 15,990 – a price segment which is already crowded with amazing phones.

Here is the list of 5 phones you should buy instead of the Blackberry Z3:

1. Moto G

This phone is one of the best in its class. The Moto G is powered by 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with Adreno 305 graphics and has 1GB of RAM onboard. The Moto G comes in two storage capacities: 8GB and 16GB. Though it does not support expandable storage. You can buy it for Rs. 13,999, which means you save 2 grand and get a better phone. Check out our detailed review of the the Moto G.

2. Micromax Turbo Mini

With a price tag of Rs 12,990, the Micromax Canvas Turbo Mini is one of the better mid-range Android phones available in the market. It’s worth pointing out that the phone was launched at Rs 14,490, but Micromax decided to give it a price cut shortly after the launch of the Moto G which starts at Rs 12,499. It would be a wise choice.

3. Samsung Galaxy Grand Quattro

Many people find it difficult to buy phones from Micromax and other Indian brands because they are concerned about the after sales service. And there is no doubt, Samsung excels in the customer service which has helped in developing a strong trust on the brand. The Grand Quattro is there in the market for a long time now and is selling quite successfully. If you want a very reliable brand with good performance and an overall package, then go for this device. If you’re serious about picking it up, have a look at our review of the phone.

4. LG L70 Dual

Just when we thought LG is getting out of the mid ranges smartphone market, it launched two good devices – the LG L70 and LG L90 – both running on the latest Android 4.4.2 Kitkat. The LG L70 is an extremely attractive device with great design and build. The other specs pretty decent but, you should buy this phone only if your usage is low. On the other hand if your usage is heavy, out of the two, opt for the LG L90. It is powerful and priced only at Rs16,000.

5. Blackberry Z10

Lastly, if you are a true BlackBerry loyalist, then you might as well go for the Blackberry Z10. It has a better camera, performance and display. All this by adding only 1k to the price of the BlackBerry Z3.

June 25, 2014
Rumor Roundup: All That We Know About The Upcoming iPhone 6

Apple’s products are always the most anticipated ones in the market and iPhone 6 is not an exception to that rule. While people eagerly wait for the launch of the device, rumors and leaks fuel their excitement.

There has been a round of alleged iPhone 6 dummy images making the rounds. Earlier this month VentureBeat reported; the iPhone 6 will contain several highly-anticipated features, including near field communication (NFC), wireless charging, better 4G antenna, and a much bigger screen. Earlier this month, we had also reported that after the major 3.2 billion dollar acquisition of Beats by Apple, the company might include their earphones with the next iPhone.

Recently, an eBay user posted 6 high-resolution pictures, of a black and silver handset on which more details can be seen than ever before. These images show some significant design changes, including the fact that the power button has been moved to the side of the device.

It is also said to feature a significantly larger screen that will take up relatively more area on the front of the phone. The hardware border around the screen will be smaller than on previous iPhones. The size of the iPhone’s display grew from 3.5 inches to 4 inches with the iPhone 5, and with the iPhone 6, the screen is said to be even larger.

Apple has been juggling with many varieties of screen sizes, with the majority of rumors solidifying around a range of 4.7 inches and 5.5 inches, bringing the next iPhone in line to compete with Android and Windows phones that have already adopted larger displays.

Since April, various different alleged iPhone 6 parts have surfaced. What could be the front panel from the larger iPhone 6 recently appeared on Chinese microblogging site Weibo, displaying a notably thinner bezel along with familiar cutouts for a front-facing camera, ambient light sensor, ear speaker, and home button.

The supposed iPhone 6 batteries have also surfaced, as have manufacturing molds that are said to be for the iPhone 6. Apple is currently using Corning Gorilla Glass for its iPhones, but rumors suggests that the company could switch to sapphire crystal for future displays.

The talks are pointing towards the September release of the 4.7-inches variant of the new iPhone 6 followed by 5.5-inches variant a month later. While leaks of the iPhone are becoming commonplace, they are not always accurate.

In the last six months, several different designs have been leaked. Well, we are eagerly waiting to hold the new iPhone in our hand. It will be launching with new iOS 8 that was introduced at this year’s WWDC. While, the new Apple’s Smartwatch named iWatch is tentatively targeted for an October unveiling.

June 25, 2014
BlackBerry Z3 Launched : Is This Another Disappointment?

As anticipated, the BlackBerry Z3 launched in India today. The large-screen smartphone has been priced at Rs.15,990. The smartphone will be available to pre-order from Flipkart, The Mobile Store, and BlackBerry stores from Wednesday, and it will officially go on sale from 2nd July .

Sunil Lalvani, MD, BlackBerry India at the BlackBerry Z3 launch in New Delhi

Blackberry is trying hard to get back into the business, but all of their strategies seems to be in vain. This phone might be the perfect example.

Specification-wise the Z3 runs on BlackBerry 10 OS (version 10.2.1) and features a 5-inch qHD (540×960 pixels) display offering an aspect ratio of 16:9. It is powered by a dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (MSM8230) processor with 1.5GB of RAM. The device is powered by 2500mAh battery. This doesn’t excite us since you could find n-number of phones which have capabilities to deliver a better performance, in the same or lower price segment.

The smartphone includes 8GB of inbuilt storage, which can be expanded up to 32GB via microSD card. For a lower price you could invest in a Moto G which has an internal memory of 16GB.

The camera specs also fail to attract as the device is equipped with a 5-megapixel autofocus rear camera and a 1.1-megapixel fixed-focus front-facing camera which can be found in a plethora of Smartphones in this segment.

The good bit about the phone is that Amazon has provided back-support to the company with its Appstore. Available on the new device, users can use it to download more than 200,000 apps. But then again the question arises, why wouldn’t a consumer just opt for an Android phone instead? Furthermore, loyalist have always enjoyed the BlackBerry Messenger and that too is now available on other devices.

Needless to say, the Canadian phone-maker failed to deliver a good gadget; its specifications fall short for the price it asks.

[poll id=”10″]

June 25, 2014
The Evolution of Apple’s Command Key

Meet the extremely fascinating Susan Kare. She is an artist and designer and has spent most of her life pioneering pixel art. The extremely talented Iconographer has created thousands of icons for hundreds of companies.

As a key member of the Mac software design team, she has created many of the graphical interface elements for the original Apple Macintosh in the 1980’s.

This symbol is formally known as the Command key. Informally, it has had several names. It is known to be been referred as the Apple key, pretzel key, squiggly button, Saint John’s Arms and the Bowen Knot. Without a doubt, it is the most useful key on the board.

The symbol became a part of the Macintosh project when Steve Jobs found that the former Apple symbol overcrowded the menu. It was then, while doing a bit of research, Susan Kare found this symbol while browsing through the symbol dictionary. She’s glad to have chanced upon this cloverleaf-like design, commonly used in Nordic countries as an indicator of cultural locations and places of interest.

In the video,Kare goes on to talk about her journey from Apple to Windows and the evolution of digital Iconography. While talking about the yesteryears, she walks us through the early 80’s when Apple launched its first Macintosh 128K in 1984.

Susan also points out the importance of simplicity in iconography. While explaining the idea, she mentioned a book the called ‘Understanding Comics: An invisible Art’ by Scott McCloud. In which McCloud tells how details make the graphic personal while a sketch with minimilistic details is relatable to most beings.

She ended with a quote of her hero of Graphic Designing:

[quote text_size=”medium” author=”Paul Rand ” author_title=”Graphic Designer”]

Create solutions to design problems that are meaningful and memorable

[/quote]

June 25, 2014
Top 5 Wearable Gadgets That You Can Buy Today

While we wait for the elusive iWatch to appear magically on Tim Cook’s wrist. Here is a list of wearable gadgets you can buy right now:

1. Google Glass

Any surprise that this one tops our list? There is no doubt that Google Glass is one of the most coveted wearable technology available today. Its the one sci-fi-looking gadget that everyone can’t wait to get their hands on. Developed by Google X, it became available to the general public earlier this year. The increasing number of Google Glass invites had led to Project Glass being open to everyone in the US and now the UK.

2. Jawbone Up

The Jawbone Up wristband combines sleep-cycle tracker, a meal tracker, a pedometer, an activity tracker, and a vibrating alarm clock in one neat little bracelet. This can be connected to your iPhone. In an effort to keep its owner active, the Up even vibrates when you’ve been sitting still too long. Sweat-proof and water-resistant, the Up is a good looker as well. It costs $99, and comes in four colours: blue, black, white, and red.

3. Misfit Shine

The Misfit Shine fitness tracker has a sharp design, and is compatible with a variety of wearable accessories. Its best part: The device lasts four months on a single battery. It is also waterproof and can be used for swimming. Minimal design doesn’t display detailed data on the device. It currently works only with iOS and needs to be held close to phone screen to sync. The Shine is one of the most stylish and futuristic-looking fitness trackers in the market.

4.Pebble Smartwatch

The Pebble Watch is waterproof, runs a ton of apps, and is compatible with both iOS and Android phones. Recently, it has partnered with Misfit, a fitness tracking company, for a new app. The gadget, with a major software update and a new app store is all set to customize itself and fit right in your life. The only drawback is the lack of touch screen and multitasking limits the capability of apps.

5. Nike+ Fuel Band

As a fitness tracker, the Nike+ Fuel Band offers a simple, attractive design manages to completely stays out of your way during most physical activities. Its pedometer tracks steps taken, calories burned, and a proprietary measurement of activity called Nike Fuel. The accompanying iOS app and Nike+ Web site offer great motivational tricks too. Nike FuelBand can be very effective as a motivator for casual exercise.

June 25, 2014