Author: Shivaank Rana

This lamp resembles a firefly in a jar!

Here is a lamp that resembles a firefly in a jar! It features an exposed bulb inside a lampshade of grey-tinted blown glass.

“The reclaimed oak version is made of wood originating from 8 inch x 8 inch hand hewn beams of red and white oak, sourced from the upper mid-west of the USA” says Outofstock, the manufacturer of the lamp. The beams come from the structural building framework of large barn and industrial buildings constructed of old growth American oak trees.

Inspired by nautical beacons and marine buoys, these diminutive table lamps call to mind the juxtaposition of boat and sea, with the rough wooden bases and ocean-water colored glass tops.

July 5, 2012
MTS announces 30p/min call rates

MTS India on Wednesday announced a new scheme under which subscribers can make local, STD, roaming and ISD calls (to USA and Canada with a cap of 100 minutes per month) at a flat rate of 30 paise per minute. SMS’s will also cost 30 paise, while data usage is priced at 30 paise/MB.

The company, which has over 16 million users, has announced this scheme for both new and existing subscribers through a recharge coupon priced between Rs 50 to Rs 100.

When on roaming, MTS subscribers will be able to make and receive calls at 30 paisa per minute to anywhere in the country. MTS also announced free access to Facebook for a month through MTS Planet on entry level phones provided by the operator.

July 5, 2012
Nexus 7 infringes our patents : Nokia

Google’s Nexus 7 is fast, slick, and cheap, but Nokia claims it also infringes some of its patents in the process.

Nokia has announced that the tablet infringes a number of its patents connected with the IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi standard. In fact, most mobile device manufacturers license the patents from Nokia; currently, neither Google nor Asus is on the list of licensees.

A Nokia spokesperson told The Inquirer that “companies who are not yet licensed under our standard essential patents should simply approach us and sign up for a license.” Hence, Google and Asus can almost certainly approach them to get their paperwork in order—if they think they need to.

Asus replied by saying “at the moment, Asus will not be providing any response/comment related.”

July 5, 2012
Tekfusion Twinwoofers In Ear Earphones Initial Hands on Review

We recently got our hands on the Tekfusion Twinwoofers in-ear headphones and got down to an initial hands-on review.

Technical Features :

Frequency Response : 19-21 KHz
Impedance : 16 Ohms
Pressure Level : 113 dB
Net Weight : 30g (1.06Oz)
Color : Black Chrome
Cable Length : 1.1m
Cable Type : Symmetric
1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty

The package consists of the Twinwoofers In-Ear Hedphones , 5 pair of Eartips – 3 pair regular S/M/L, and 2 pair Tripple flange – M/L, Clip & Cable Slider , a Carry Pouch and a User Manual.

The first thing you’ll notice is they are light-weight but pretty tough. They are made from metal, and have partial gloss and partial matte finish – which gives them a very premium look . The twin-woofer logo adorns the back of the drum and overall the headphone is very well crafted. The earphones come with a 3.5 mm gold plated jack.

The initial impression of the headphones was that they perform really well at low volume but a slight clipping can be noticed at high-volume bass. We will take a look into this once we come out with our full in-depth review but for now, for a price tag of INR 1000-1200 these are definitely one of the best earphones in the market.

Check out our hands-on review here :-

July 4, 2012
Tata Docomo slashes wireless internet service tariffs by 60% in Bangalore

Tata Docomo, the telecom brand of Tata Teleservices, slashed its tariff plans for Tata Photon Plus postpaid and prepaid customers by up to 60 percent. Tata Photon Plus postpaid users can now avail 6GB of data for Rs. 950, and 11GB data for Rs. 1,200 (both valid for 30 days month).

The other two postpaid tariff plans are Rs. 250 for 1GB (which earlier was priced at Rs. 650) and Rs. 450 for 2GB (which earlier cost Rs. 750). Prepaid users can now get unlimited 2GB usage for Rs. 700.

The operator has also revised its 3G data tariff prices. For 1GB of 3G data, users need to shell out Rs. 255. For 1.5 GB and 2 GB, the operator is charging Rs. 350 and Rs. 450 respectively.

Check out the press release below :

[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]

Tata DOCOMO, the unified telecom brand of Tata Teleservices, has announced irresistible offers for its Tata Photon Plus Postpay and Prepay customers across India. The company is showering its customers with delightful offers of high internet speeds at affordable prices thereby reducing its tariff plans upto 60%

Tata DOCOMO Photon Plus postpay customers can choose from unlimited 6GB usage for only Rs. 950 rental or unlimited 11 GB for only Rs.1200/-. These 2 unlimited plans also offer cash back of Rs 100 per month for 12 months from date of purchase.

Tata DOCOMO entry level packs now cost Rs 250 that offers 1GB of data download as compared to Rs 650 earlier. Likewise Rs 450 pack which earlier cost 750 will offer 2GB

For the first time, Tata DOCOMO introduces Reload packs for Photon Plus Postpay customers with 1GB@Rs 200 & 2GB@Rs 350. What this essentially means, that customers can now continue to enjoy uninterrupted high speed internet post consumption of their data limit.

Tata DOCOMO Photon offers unlimited Internet surfing plans, usage based plans and much more. Prepay customers can now get unlimited 2GB usage on recharge of Rs. 700. There are various prepay plans that customers can choose based on usage and wallet.

Announcing the offers, Mr. A P Sriram, COO, Tata DOCOMO Karnataka Circle said, “These exciting plans for our Tata DOCOMO Photon Plus post-pay and pre-pay customers are the latest addition in our ever-expanding portfolio of differentiated and affordable offerings. We continue to deliver on our promise to provide value for money plans that suit the various needs of our customers. Such offers are an extension of our maxim of providing a refreshing experience to our customers.”

Notes to Editor

About Tata Teleservices Limited

Tata Teleservices Limited is one of India’s leading private telecom service providers, having a pan-India presence across all of India’s 22 telecom Circles. The company offers integrated telecom solutions to its customers under the unified brand name Tata DOCOMO and operates its wireless networks on GSM, CDMA and 3G technology platforms. Tata Teleservices Limited, along with Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Limited, operates in more than 450,000 towns and villages across the country. After its collaboration with Japan’s NTT DOCOMO in November 2008, Tata Teleservices launched 2G GSM services under the Tata DOCOMO brand name in all the 18 telecom Circles where it received spectrum from the Government of India, in June 2009. Since then, the Company has established a strong brand connect for Tata DOCOMO in India and has been at the forefront of redefining the telecom experience in India, launching innovative products and services that have impacted Indian consumer lifestyles. TTL is the clear market leader in the enterprise space as well, and has market leadership in many product lines, such as mobile broadband with the Photon family of wireless access devices. TTL’s bouquet of telephony services includes mobile services, wireless desktop phones, public booth telephony and wireline services.

For details, visit www.tatateleservices.com and www.tatadocomo.com.

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July 3, 2012
Tata DOCOMO rewards GSM Customers for loyalty in MP and Chattisgarh

Tata DOCOMO, the unified telecom brand of Tata Teleservices Ltd, today launched an offer to reward its loyal prepay GSM customers across Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh circle. Under this offer, customers on basis of their age on Tata DOCOMO network will be given additional talk-time on every recharge they make.

Customers who have spent upto 90 days on Tata DOCOMO network, will be given 100% talk-time on any recharge above Rs 101. Similarly, customers between 91 days to 180 days, will get same benefit on any recharge above Rs 51. Customers with age on network (AON) between 181 days – 365 days will get 103% talk-time, and those above 366 days will get 105% talk-time on making recharge above Rs 51.

[quote]Mr. Shailendra Singh, Hub Head, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh circle, Tata Teleservices Ltd said “MP&CG circle is a key market for Tata DOCOMO. We are honored with the response we have got so far from our customers in the circle. Launch of this offer is gesture of gratitude to our subscribers who have shown trust in Tata DOCOMO brand.”[/quote]

Tata DOCOMO GSM Customers can dial *121*12# to know about their age on Tata DOCOMO network

Check out the Press Release below :

[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]

Tata DOCOMO, the unified telecom brand of Tata Teleservices Ltd, today launched yet another path-breaking offer to reward its loyal prepay GSM customers across Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh circle. Under this offer, customers on basis of their age on Tata DOCOMO network will be given additional talk-time on every recharge they make.

Customers who have spent upto 90 days on Tata DOCOMO network, will be given 100% talk-time on any recharge above Rs 101. Similarly, customers between 91 days to 180 days, will get same benefit on any recharge above Rs 51. Customers with age on network (AON) between 181 days – 365 days will get 103% talk-time, and those above 366 days will get 105% talk-time on making recharge above Rs 51.

Mr. Shailendra Singh, Hub Head, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh circle, Tata Teleservices Ltd said “MP&CG circle is a key market for Tata DOCOMO. We are honored with the response we have got so far from our customers in the circle. Launch of this offer is gesture of gratitude to our subscribers who have shown trust in Tata DOCOMO brand.”

Tata DOCOMO GSM Customers can dial *121*12# to know about their age on Tata DOCOMO network.

Notes to Editor

About Tata Teleservices Limited

Tata Teleservices Limited is one of India’s leading private telecom service providers, having a pan-India presence across all of India’s 22 telecom Circles. The company offers integrated telecom solutions to its customers under the unified brand name Tata DOCOMO and operates its wireless networks on GSM, CDMA and 3G technology platforms. Tata Teleservices Limited, along with Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Limited, operates in more than 450,000 towns and villages across the country. After its collaboration with Japan’s NTT DOCOMO in November 2008, Tata Teleservices launched 2G GSM services under the Tata DOCOMO brand name in all the 18 telecom Circles where it received spectrum from the Government of India, in June 2009. Since then, the Company has established a strong brand connect for Tata DOCOMO in India and has been at the forefront of redefining the telecom experience in India, launching innovative products and services that have impacted Indian consumer lifestyles. TTL is the clear market leader in the enterprise space as well, and has market leadership in many product lines, such as mobile broadband with the Photon family of wireless access devices. TTL’s bouquet of telephony services includes mobile services, wireless desktop phones, public booth telephony and wireline services.

For details, visit www .tatateleservices .com and www .tatadocomo .com

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July 3, 2012
Ignore missed calls from international numbers to prevent SIM cloning

BSNL has issued a fresh warning to users to not respond to calls from numbers starting with +92; #90 or #09, saying if they do they may fall prey to a bout of SIM card cloning. According to a report in TOI, BSNL has issued alerts to subscribers — particularly about the series mentioned above — saying that calling the number back after a missed call may make a user susceptible to SIM card cloning. There is, however, confusion over this claim made by some BSNL and intelligence officials. Cloning a SIM card requires physical access to it or the interception of the communication between the caller and his or her cellphone operator’s network.

It is said that one lakh subscribers have fallen prey to this scam. Intelligence agencies too are said to have confirmed to the service providers particularly in the UP West telecom division that such a racket is going on and the menace is growing fast.

If a subscriber attends the mobile phone before it starts ringing, the person on the other end pretends to be a call centre staff whose job is to watch whether the connectivity and call flow is seamless. The subscriber is requested to dial #09 or #90 to contact the caller in this regard.

When the subscriber does so, it leads to cloning of SIM. This enables the culprits to then utilise the information stored in the phone as also the SIM, memory and data cards.

There have been instances of subscribers receiving missed calls from numbers starting from +375 and this been on a rise in the recent past. These instances are alarming because if one tries to call back, then they’re charged a whopping $15 – $30 for that call. +375 is an international code, more specifically belonging to Belarus.

July 3, 2012
Mercury mTab Rio 9.7-inch tablet launched at INR 11,999

Computer peripherals manufacturer Kobian has launched its tablet, the mTab Rio.

The tablet supports Wi-Fi and provides a battery backup of six to eight hours and runs on Android 4. The device is priced at Rs 11,999, which includes a one-year warranty.

The device boasts of a 9.7-inch IPS panel, and is powered by a 1.2 GHz processor, 1GB of DDR3 RAM and has 8GB/16GB internal storage expandable via microSD card up to 32GB.

The Mercury mTab Rio supports Wi-Fi and claims battery backup of 6-8 hours. The device also has a 2MP camera and a front facing camera for video chatting. The device also supports 3G connectivity via a USB dongle and has HDMI output.

[quote]Commenting on the target audience, Ms Sushmita Das, Country Manager-India, Kobian, said: “Mercury mTab Rio can be a companion for students to surf the net, for office-goers who are able to do their work anywhere and for families to enjoy movies.”[/quote]

July 2, 2012
Apple Pays USD 60M for iPad Trademark in China

Apple has agreed to pay US$60 million for ownership of the iPad trademark in China, as part of a settlement with a little-known Chinese firm called Proview that had tried to ban sales of the tablet in the country, according to a local court.

The Guangdong Province Higher People’s Court announced the settlement on Monday, and stated that the legal dispute had been put to rest. Following the payment to Proview, Chinese authorities transferred the “IPAD” trademark to Apple.

The two companies have been locked in a legal dispute to determine ownership of the iPad trademark, with Apple claiming to have bought the iPad trademarks for China from Proview in 2009.

The Guangdong court was originally expected to rule on the case. But Apple and Proview were in recent months in talks to settle the dispute, at the initiative of the court.

Proview had wanted as much as $400 million in settlement from Apple in order to help clear its debts. Eight banks have taken over Proview’s assets and are owed $180 million.

Li Su, the head of the consultancy representing the eight banks, said Apple initially wanted to pay only a few million dollars for the iPad trademark. But over time, Apple negotiated in good faith, realizing the dispute would linger in Chinese courts unless a settlement was reached, he added.

Su said he did not know how the $60 million received from Apple would be spent.

July 2, 2012
Chrome No. 1 free app on iTunes

Chrome for iOS features tab-syncing and incognito mode.

Within days of it being announced for Apple’s iOS, Google Chrome rocketed to the top by becoming the no. 1 free app on the iTunes app store.

It’s getting decent reviews from users who so far have cumulatively ranked it at 4.5 stars, although the biggest complaint they seem to have is the browser is slow compared with Apple’s Safari which is due to the fact that Apple restricts the use of its Nitro JavaScript engine to Safari and other apps don’t have access to it.

We will be coming out with the Chrome’s review soon, stay tuned.

July 2, 2012
Samsung Galaxy Beam up for pre-order at INR 29,900

The Galaxy Beam has a 15 lumens projector.

Samsung is all set to introduce its new projector smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Beam, in India. The phone is available online for pre-order on the Samsung India e-store. Available for Rs 29,900, the entire amount has to be payed upfront.

The Samsung Galaxy Beam’s 15 lumens projector allows users to display and share multimedia content anywhere on a large luminous projector screen – walls, ceilings or improvised flat surfaces. It is powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor, has an internal memory of 8GB, which is expandable up to 32GB using a microSD card. The Samsung Galaxy Beam has 768MB RAM. and a 4.0-inch (480×800) TFT display along with a 5 megapixel autofocus rear camera with flash and a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera.

July 2, 2012
Another complaint comes up as Samsung probes Ireland’s S3 explosion

Samsung is currently investigating a report that one of its Galaxy S3 handsets exploded in a user’s car in Ireland, and another model allegedly exploded in a Korean schoolboy’s pocket.

The news comes as the electronics giant gears up to launch its flagship handset in its native Korea on Monday. A schoolboy in Korea was earlier reported to claim his handset’s battery exploded while in his back pocket.

In that incident, Samsung claimed the external pressure pre-empted on the device was what caused it to explode.

The Galaxy S3 is Samsung’s flagship device and these incidents would certainly put a doubt in the consumer’s mind.

June 24, 2012
Meet Siri the Punjaban!

After many months of trials and tribulations we got Siri on the iPhone 4S to go Balle Balle!

Check it out and remember to visit iGyaanTV and subscribe on Youtube.com/iGyaanTV

June 24, 2012
HTC One XXL Specs leaked in Screenshot?

There’s been some talk that HTC is readying a 5.3-inch Galaxy Note challenger of their own by the name of the One XXL . Other than its size, we really haven’t heard much else.

But a new leak is showing us that the HTC One XXL might be a next generation One series smartphone featuring 720p HD display and a fast quad-core mobile processor, it could be a beefed up version of the HTC One X. The details were leaked in the screenshot and shows off all the specs that make an Android fan’s heart flutter. We got a 4.7-inch display, quad-core Qualcomm S4 processor, 2GB of RAM, 8MP camera and 1.8MP front facing camera.

If this IS true, then watch out Samsung!

June 23, 2012
U.S judge dismisses Apple vs Motorola patent suit

A U.S. judge on Friday ruled that Apple Inc. cannot pursue an injunction against Google’s Motorola Mobility unit, effectively ending a key case for the iPhone maker in the smartphone patent wars.

Judge Richard Posner, of the U.S. District Court for Northern Illinois in Chicago, has also dismissed a counterclaim that Apple was infringing on Motorola’s patent in iPhones. Posner ruled out any damages for either company and said, that neither party is entitled to an injunction as the parties have failed to present enough evidence to create triable issues. In the ruling filed, Posner also said neither side could refile their claims.

[quote]During the legal proceedings, the judge also pointed to serious problems with the U.S. patent system and questioned the worth of many software patents, saying, Reuters reported, You can’t just assume that because someone has a patent, he has some deep moral right to exclude everyone else[/quote].

June 23, 2012