Author: Tejan Mitra

Samsung’s Project Zero 2 is Similar to Galaxy S6 Edge, New Details Emerge

Samsung is reportedly working on a new phone, SM-G928, code-named Project Zero 2. What makes it interesting is that the phone will be similar to Galaxy S6 Edge, save for the display and processor. The phone will reportedly sport a 5.4-inch or 5.7-inch Super AMOLED dual-edge curved screen.

According to the report, the SM-G928 will run on a hexa-core Snapdragon 808 processor. In addition to that, the phone will have a 32GB internal storage space, a 16-megapixel primary camera with optical image stabilizer and 4K video recording, and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera.

As far as physical dimensions are concerned, the phone is around 151 mm tall and around 73 mm wide, which makes it taller and wider than Galaxy S6 Edge. The report speculates that the display will be larger than 5.1 inch, which is currently the display size in Galaxy S6. An increase in physical dimensions should allow the phone to create space for a larger battery, which is rumored to be a 3,000 mAh battery.

The Project Zero 2 is being called Galaxy S6 Edge Plus. However, Samsung has not confirmed anything yet. The report states that an official announcement will be made by the company shortly.

July 1, 2015
Now Enjoy High Frame Rate Videos on YouTube App

Today, Google has announced that the YouTube’s iOS and Android app will support HFR playback, meaning that you can watch Mario steer through obstacles at a smooth 60fps on your phone, just like you see it on your Xbox or PS4. The announcement follows the one Google made in October last year, as it rolled out HFR video for YouTube, allowing users to watch videos with a smooth playback on web browsers.

Over the past few years, High Frame Rate (HFR) video playback has been a craze around the world. The feature plays videos at 48-or-60 fps, as compared to the normal 24 fps playback. Videos playing in high frame rates appear silky smooth and without motion blurs. It is usually used by gamers who upload footage from video games and want the same quality they expect from a PS4 or Xbox. YouTube currently offers HFR playback only on HD videos.

Since Google is updating the content from the servers, Android and iOS users don’t have to update their apps to access HFR videos. If the video has been uploaded in HFR format, all users would have to do is select the resolution, which will be marked as 720p60 or 1080p60. The app users won’t be able to view live streaming in HFR though. In May, Google extended HFR support for live streaming for desktop users.

If you have no idea how HFR video looks like, play the video below and select 720p60 or 1080p60 to enjoy the smooth playback. Trust us, you’ll know the difference.

July 1, 2015
First Trailer of ‘Snowden’ Shows Surveillance Disguised as Patriotism

Call him a patriot or a traitor, but Edward Snowden is certainly a legendary figure among whistleblowers. The new trailer for Snowden doesn’t feature the famous whistle-blower but shows the impact he left on the state of surveillance around the world.

Snowden created history when he revealed a large number of classified NSA documents in 2013, exposing how the government of the United States of America was using mass surveillance tactics not only around the world but also on its own citizens. The revelations were important as it showed not only U.S., but even countries like UK and India using mass surveillance to monitor the privacy of their own citizens, all in the name of protection. Currently, Snowden resides in an undisclosed location in Russia and is wanted in United States for treason.

Only time will tell if the film shows Snowden as a patriot or a traitor. While describing Snowden’s past, the trailer shows an upside flag of USA with the words “One nation under surveillance for liberty and justice for all”, hinting at the surveillance tactics used by the government disguised as patriotism.

Snowden stars Joseph Gordon Levitt as the titular character, Shailene Woodley (Divergent) and Nicholas Cage. The film is directed by Oliver Stone, who is best known for making politically-motivated films such as JFK and Platoon. Snowden will release on 25th December in U.S. theatres, while we should be expect a January release for India.

July 1, 2015
Ola Will Counter Uber by Launching its Own Courier Service in India

It seems Ola is bent on conquering the Indian market before its rival Uber does. After venturing into food delivery service and groceries, the company now wants to get into logistics services. According to a report, Ola has started testing a delivery service along the lines of UberRUSH, Uber’s courier service. The service will reportedly launch by mid-July.

As reported, the service will deliver shopping orders at the customer’s doorstep within three hours. Apart from that, customers can also use Ola app for various purposes, from sending parcels to picking up laundry. Ola is said to have tied up with several businesses including florists, bakeries, laundries and ice-cream parlors. Moreover, apart from cabs, the deliveries will also be carried out on motorbikes and bicycles.

It will be interesting to see how Ola’s new move will disrupt the traditional logistics service. Ola already operates more than 18000 taxis across India, and if the company adds bicycles and motorbikes for its delivery service, it could become one of the most efficient logistics services in the country. It will be a matter of concern for major logistic providers such as BlueDart and DTDC if Ola decides to foray into shipping services. So far, there is no mention of such intentions by Ola.

Ola is probably playing it smarter by launching a service similar to Uber’s courier service before Uber does it. If the move is successful, Ola might achieve the same level of success that Uber has achieved in the US.

Source : [tw-button size=”small” background=”” color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.bgr.in/news/ola-to-launch-an-uberrush-like-courier-service-in-india-report/”]BGR[/tw-button] [tw-button size=”small” background=”” color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/ola-set-to-do-a-uber-in-india-with-collection-and-delivery-service/article7367614.ece”]The Hindu Business Line[/tw-button]

July 1, 2015

Xiaomi Lowers Price of Redmi Note 4G by Rs 2,000

Great news for Xiaomi fans. The company has announced a price cut for Redmi Note 4G in an official tweet.

From today, people can buy the Redmi Note 4G at a discounted price of Rs. 7,999 from Xiaomi’s website as well as various leading websites and retail stores. The news is not only exciting for existing Xiaomi fans, but should also excite those who have been looking for a new phone.+

https://twitter.com/MiIndiaOfficial/status/615740349068152832/photo/1

It seems Xiaomi has reduced the price to take on the K3 Note, which was recently launched by Lenovo and has similar specifications. The new price cut makes the Redmi Note 4G more affordable than the K3 Note.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4G is a 4G LTE ready device. It is powered by a 1.6GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 CPU coupled with 2GB of RAM. The Redmi Note 4G sports a 5.5 inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, a 13 MP front camera and has a storage capacity of up to 64 GB. The phone runs on a 3,100 mAh battery, which is often counted as one of the phone’s strongest features. If the price drop doesn’t convince you to buy the phone, maybe these specifications will.

Specs	Redmi Note 4G
Display	5.5 inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen (720×1280 pixels)
Processor	1.6 GHz Qualcomm MSM8928 Snapdragon 400
RAM	2 GB
Storage	8 GB
Expandable Upto	64 GB
Main Camera	13 MP
Front Camera	5 MP
Battery	3100 mAh
Operating System	Android 4.2 upgradable to v4.4.2 (KitKat)
Price	Rs.7,999

The Redmi Note 4G was launched in December last year at a price of Rs. 9,999 through a flash sale on Flipkart.

June 30, 2015

Google Updates Hangouts for iOS Users

Good news for iOS users who still use Hangouts. In a blog post, the company announced “Hangouts 4.0”, an improved version of the messaging app for iOS. The new update includes bugs and performance fixes and a new design.

The most notable improvement in the new Hangouts is the easier access to send photos and stickers. In the previous versions, the option was hidden behind a paperclip button. In the new version, the attachment options are now located on a strip below the text entry field.

The strip makes it easier to select photographs and stickers without exiting the chat window. The camera button will open a mini viewfinder below the text field. The new version features a Quick Compose button that finds the most frequent contacts and starts a new conversation. The dialler gets a new user interface as the standard buttons have been replaced by green floating action buttons – circular buttons that lift and display an ink reaction on a press.

The update also includes many bugs fixes and performance improvements. Hangouts 4.0 is currently available on the App Store. Google will soon announce the Android update for Hangouts.

June 30, 2015
Uber Acquires Microsoft’s Mapping Data to Boost its Service

Any successful transportation company in the world relies heavily on maps. Uber’s app is basically a navigation app but with additional features like booking a cab and GPS. Recognizing how crucial maps are for its operations, Uber has acquired the mapping assets from Microsoft, which include data center, cameras, intellectual property, and roughly 100 engineers.

Microsoft has confirmed that it will no longer collect mapping data as it efforts to focus on the company’s core business strategy. Microsoft usually sources mapping data from Nokia and other partners for maps but it also used to collect its own 3D, aerial and street view maps.

Microsoft said in a recent statement

We will no longer collect mapping imagery ourselves, and instead will continue to partner with premium content and imagery providers for underlying data while concentrating our resources on the core user experience. With this decision, we will transfer many of our imagery acquisition operations to Uber.

Uber has been trying to strengthen its own mapping system. The company recently hired former Google Map executive Brian McClendon and with the latest acquisition from Microsoft, Uber aims to make its service better. Uber also wants to reduce its dependency on Google Maps, the go-to map service.

Uber said in a statement

Mapping is at the heart of what makes Uber great. So we will continue to work with partners, as well as invest in our own technology, to build the best possible experience for riders and drivers.

Microsoft will still continue to offer its maps services through Bing Maps using licensed data.

June 30, 2015
Engineers Break the Speed Limit for Fiber-Optic Transmissions

Fiber optic networks are already the preferred choice for Internet connections in countries like USA and UK and following the trend, companies like MTNL and Airtel are offering fiber optic services to Indian consumers. Fiber-optics based Internet can usually transmit Internet speed ranging from 15 Mbps upto 100 Mbps in some countries.

Of late, there is a discussion going on among scientists and researchers on what will happen when fiber-optic cables reach their physical limits. In a matter of few years, the physical barrier of 100 TBps could be reached in five years and could easily break if services like 8K streaming and others become the standard.

It may look like that the Internet Apocalypse may soon end our days of trolling and killing time on 9GAG, but thankfully, it will not happen.

Engineers at UC San Diego’s Qualcomm Institute have successfully tested the limit of fiber-optic transmissions by increasing the power of optical signals almost twenty times the base level. To send the data faster, engineers usually increase the speed by adding more power, which can interfere with the data, scramble it and lead to a state where data is not being delivered at all.

Engineers used wideband “frequency combs” that conditioned streams of information before they were sent out, so that any interference that occurred along the way would be predicted. At the receiving end of the fiber, the information was unscrambled and fully restored.

As Nikola Alic of the Qualcomm Institute, a lead author on the paper, under which the experiment was carried out, puts it, “Today’s fiber optic systems are a little like quicksand. With quicksand, the more you struggle, the faster you sink. With fiber optics, after a certain point, the more power you add to the signal, the more distortion you get, in effect preventing a longer reach.” The team’s use of “frequency combs” will not only keep the signal going but will also allow distortion-free signal.

Internet will live on, after all.

June 29, 2015
Samsung’s New Tech Promises Longer Battery Life

Smartphone users across the world face the same problem regardless of which phone they use – the inevitable dying battery in a short period of time. Our phones run multiple tasks while using bluetooth, wi-fi and cellular networks at the same time. For faster workflow, the processors will use more power, thus resulting in battery drain and the headache of finding ways to charge our phones.

It seems Samsung may have found a solution to our power woes.

Scientists at the company have developed lithium-ion battery technology that promises longer-lasting power. The battery uses a silicon anode, which increases the battery capacity and has layers of graphene on top to improve its density and longevity. Thus, the battery is at least 1.5 times denser than the current battery packs. As a result, the phone, which can previously run on 12 hours of battery, can now function for 21 hours, at least theoretically.

Since the project is still in its research stage, the improved battery will not be expected in the next Galaxy series or any new phones in the coming years. Every year, the phones continue to get better and faster and require a larger battery for the same, which results in an increase in size. That is why Samsung’s breakthrough is important since adding a larger battery won’t be a solution in the future. Plus, as this ad by Samsung shows, we shouldn’t hassle with white cords every time our phone dies.

June 29, 2015
Leaked Image of the OnePlus 2 Confirms its Screen Size

Since the launch of the OnePlus 2 is only a month away, we can expect to see more details being revealed everyday. A few days ago, OnePlus announced the launch date for the OnePlus 2 as 27th July. Today, a new detail has emerged about the phone regarding the display.

A new image of OnePlus 2 has been leaked on popular Chinese microblogging website Weibo,which reveals more details about the phone. As we had earlier suspected, the phone will sport a display ranging between 5.5 and 5.7 inches and will have black matte border. Since the image features a filter, it is difficult to confirm until the official statement comes out.

OnePlus Two will launch on 27th July through a virtual reality event. The phone is priced at around Rs. 25,000 and will support USB-C port, becoming the first flagship phone to do so.

June 29, 2015
In the Near Future, Smartphones Might Help the Blind ‘See’

Scientists are developing a new technology that would enable blind people to see through their cell-phones and tablets. The technology is being developed at the University of Lincoln, UK where specialists in computer vision and machine learning are trying to create a system that would describe new environments to people with sight challenges. The program is funded through a Google Faculty Research Award.

“This project will build on our previous research to create an interface that can be used to help people with visual impairments,” says project lead Dr Nicola Bellotto, an expert on machine perception and human-centred robotics from University of Lincoln’s School of Computer Science.

The team will use colour and depth sensor technology inside smartphones and tablets to enable 3D mapping and localisation, navigation and object recognition. Then it will develop the best interface to relay that to blind users – through vibrations, sounds or the spoken word.

“There are existing smartphone apps that are able to, for example, recognise an object or speak text to describe places. But the sensors embedded in the device are still not fully exploited. We aim to create a system with ‘human-in-the-loop’ that provides good localisation relevant to visually impaired users and, most importantly, that understand how people observe and recognise particular features of their environment,” says Dr. Belloto

To recognise the visual clues in an environment, the team will develop a system. The data will be detected through the device camera and identify the type of room as the user will move around the space. The more accustomed the blind user gets, the more quicker and easier it would be for the system to identify the room.

It’s important to celebrate and encourage all kinds of technology that help the impaired. This is a major step towards the future.

June 29, 2015
Watch: How a Realistic Dinosaur Was Created For ‘Jurassic World’

Jurassic Park is considered a cinematic milestone due to the ground-breaking mix of CGI and animatronics used to bring dinosaurs to life. Jurassic World proudly carries on the tradition of mixing CGI and practical visual effects to bring the park, which took 65 million years in making, to life. Although Jurassic World employs more CGI than its predecessor, the film also utilised some fine animatronics to create a closer look at the dinosaurs.

CGI stands for computer-generated imagery, using computers to add images in movies or TV shows.

A video released by Legacy Effects explains how a believable, life-like Apatosaurus was created for the movie. The scene in question is when Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard encounter a dying Apatosaurus. What is more impressive is that the emotions expressed by Apatosaurus in the film were achieved through the use of mechanics, not CGI.

Jurassic World, the latest installment in the Jurassic Park series, has already earned more than a billion dollars at the box-office and has become the most popular entry after the first Jurassic Park film.

Watch the video below to see how Legacy Effects created a life-like Apatosaurus.

June 28, 2015
This Google Project Will Blow Your Mind Away

Once again, Google impresses us with its world-changing research efforts. The company’s Project Soli, which has been developed at Google’s secretive Advanced Technology and Projects lab in San Francisco, will allow you to interact with gadgets by simple gestures in air.

You may ask, so what is new about controlling your gadgets with hand gestures? For we already have Xbox Kinect, PlayStation Move and of course, JARVIS. What makes Soli unique is that the system can identify subtle finger movements using radar built into tiny microchips.

According to lead researcher Ivan Poupyrev, the team’s breakthrough will be a game changer.

Most sensors are camera-based, such as Kinect and Move. They act only when they capture gestures and require additional hardware. Soli’s microchips can be embedded into anything – from TVs to wearables, and this is the game-changing quality that Poupyrev refers to.

“Using a tiny, microchip-based radar to track hand movements we can now track the minutest movements and twitches of the human hand to interact with computers and wearable devices,” says Poupyrev.

The team has managed to overcome its biggest challenge: to fit a shoe-box sized radar on a tiny microchip. The team worked with German chipmaker Infineon for 10 months, finding new ways to shrink the radar’s components. Now, the chips are ready for mass-production.

‘Soli can pick up hand movements as far as a metre away as in Minority Report. But in reality this is too tiring,’ Poupyrev says. ‘Until now, we lacked the fidelity to capture hand movements in sufficient detail. But now using radar, for the first time in history you can build Minority Report type interfaces.’

Poupyrev recently demonstrated Project Soli in front of developers in California. The project’s open source technology will be handed over to developers later this year.

Google deserves credit for envisioning this project. The company has always pushed the boundaries of knowledge. They need to be appreciated for taking on resource intensive projects without compromising with their quarterly results.

Watch the video below to help understand the project better:

June 27, 2015
Apple Begins Manufacturing the New iPhone With ‘Force Touch’

According to a new report, Apple has started the manufacturing process for the new iPhone. We’re talking about the iPhone 6s which will be arriving this September. The Force Touch feature, first introduced in the Apple Watch and the new 13-inch MacBook, has been expected to be included in the new iPhone for a few months now.

‘Force Touch’ is a feature that detects the level of force in a tap and responds accordingly. For example, a light tap on the screen will perform another task than a hard tap. Tiny electrodes surrounding the Retina display sense the difference in the amount of pressure applied on screen. Thus, a user can perform simple tasks such as fast-forwarding a movie or using pressure to zoom in on a map with ease.

Apple begins production from the first of July. The company expects the production to go smoothly due to the similarities in design between the new and existing iPhone 6. Apple has spent more than two years trying to perfect ‘Force Touch’, which will enhance the user experience when using pressure-sensitive displays.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the next-gen iPhone would be thicker than the existing iPhone due to the integration of ‘Force Touch’ feature. Also, Apple is reportedly integrating support for the feature in the beta versions of iOS 9, which will allow developers to make use of ‘Force Touch’ in navigation and media controls.

Source : [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-26/apple-suppliers-said-to-start-making-iphones-with-force-touch”]Bloomberg[/tw-button]

June 27, 2015
iOS 9’s ‘Low Power Mode’ to Reduce iPhone’s Performance by 40%

While iPhone users have a lot to boast about, battery life of their smartphones is not something that is easily discussed. Apple acknowledged the problem, and at WWDC this year, it was one of the most important issues addressed. At the event, we learned that iOS 9 would feature a “low power mode” that would extend the battery life upto three hours. The mode will allow for devices to reduce power consumption and restrict to only phone call capability.

Now, a new report has revealed that the mode will reduce the performance of the iPhone in exchange for improving the battery life.

The guys at MacRumors ran a benchmark test on iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 5s to test the device’s processor power. They discovered that the single and multi-core scores for the processors dropped by 40% when iOS 9’s “Low Power Mode” was turned on.

When turned on, the mode reduces the CPU speed, which results in the shutting down of background activities like mail fetch, background app refresh, motion effects and brightness. Nothing has been mentioned about activities such as browsing web, making calls after iOS 9 activates the energy saving mode.

Source : [tw-button size=”medium” background=”#07ABE2″ color=”” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.macrumors.com/2015/06/25/ios-9-low-power-mode-benchmarks/”]MacRumors [/tw-button]

June 27, 2015