Author: Happy Nagashetti

SpaceX F9R Rocket Fails, Blows Up Mid-Air

Ever since its inception, SpaceX has taken space travel to great heights. It’s the only private company responsible for taking cargo to and fro from the International Space Station. Its rockets have been appreciated for their safety features; something that came handy yesterday.

A test rocket which was launched yesterday has a snag that would have made it veer off course. Fortunately, the emergency systems on board automatically stepped in and destructed the rocket mid-air. This is the first major failure in SpaceX’s history. There were no injuries. Well, apart from the injury to SpaceX’s finances; they just lost a really expensive rocket. A second F9R rocket is in its building stage.

SpaceX’s rocket, the F9R, is a reusable rocket and a successor to the Grasshopper rocket. It is capable of launching and landing back on the launch pad, thereby increasing efficiency and bringing down costs. The rocket has just one stage, and it has three engines to propel it to the skies.

The company’s founder Elon Musk says he plans for human colonization of Mars and other planets, and that it is an important step in human evolution. Reusable rockets will surely help in organizing resources ensuring faster and efficient delivery of cargo to a future Mars Colony. Musk’s response to the incident was a tweet that said, “Rockets are tricky.”

SpaceX says that the rocket has been tested previously, but this time they wanted to push its limits harder, and that led to the technical snag.

It is important to understand that rocket science is hard, ergo the saying, it’s as tough as rocket science. Considering the fact that rocket technology is still in its basic stages, re-usability will surely take it forward. There have been malfunctions that have led to the loss of valuable human life. Space travel is the next frontier, and reaching new frontiers involves sacrifices, sometimes monetary and unfortunately sometimes, human life. Setbacks do happen but it’s necessary to learn from them and move on. Hopefully SpaceX team learns from its mistake and gives us our ride to Mars as soon as possible.

August 23, 2014
Xiaomi to Introduce Redmi 1S in India on 26th August

After a successful opening in the Indian market, Xiaomi is ready for its second adventure. The Apple of China created an immense buzz by bringing its flagship killer MI3 in India. The mobile was sold in flash sales that saw the stocks disappear in moments after the beginning of the sales. Now the company has sent out an invite for the launch of its mid-segment phone, the Redmi 1S.

The Redmi 1S is expected to do the same to the under 10000 segment that its bigger sibling, the MI3 did to the higher segment and create a lot of furore while doing it. The Redmi 1S too have some market dominating features which will be appreciated by the Indian populace.

The invite is out for the Redmi 1S

The phone will be introduced by Xiaomi’s Vice President International, Hugo Barra on 29th August. The Xiaomi Redmi 1S is a dual SIM phone. It has a 4.7 inch IPS display with 1280×720 pixel resolution. It is powered by a quad-core 1.6 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 mobile chipset and 1 GB RAM, we are sensing a winner right here.

The phone has 1GB RAM and internal storage of 8 GB. The part that will make multimedia enthusiast jump with joy is the fact that Redmi 1S gives you an expandable storage option up to 64 GB. So go ahead and load up the all the seasons of ‘Friends’ on your phone.

Weirdly there is no KitKat for this one, Redmi 1S runs on a version of MIUI that is based on Android 4.3 Jellybean. But considering all that they are offering, we’ll let that one pass.

The device is an all rounder in terms of Looks, Feature and Price

The device comes with an 8 megapixel camera with a wide f/2.2 aperture and a LED Flash. It offers burst mode, auto-focus, zero shutter lag, HDR and real-time filters. For the selfie lovers the front sports a 1.6 megapixel camera.

To make use of all these affordable goodness functional, the device gets its juice from a 2000 mAh battery which is perfect for the price. The device also features Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy, WiFi, and GPS with A-GPS and GLONASS support.

The device is priced at Rs.6,999 and will be available on Flipkart, most probably by next week. Guess after creating adversaries in flagship phone makers, Xiaomi is ready to take on the Indian manufacturers. Lookout Micromax, Lava, Karbonn; a Chinese hurricane is approaching you.

August 23, 2014
Apple to Replace Selected iPhone 5 Batteries for Free

Apple iPhones are beautiful products. They have been beautifully designed but lack strength in one major arena, the battery. Considering the increased screen size that Apple is planning to bring in the next member of the iPhone family, we might expect a better battery. For now, Apple found that some of its existing iPhone 5 batteries have not been performing up to standard and they needed to be charged more often.

Apple has recognized a certain batch of devices with the defect and is offering free replacement of the batteries. Users can go to Apple’s website and check if their device is listed there. Apple will replace those batteries for free.

The users whose devices are listed on the website have to backup their data and wipe out the device before taking it to an Apple Store or Apple-approved retailer. There is though a tiny hiccup in the process, Apple requires you to get damages on screen and others before accepting the device. The cost of damage repair will come from the user’s pockets, so if you have a busted screen, a bad battery and not enough cash, you might as well throw the phone away and get a new one.

The program has begun in US and China and it will be expanded to other countries from August 29th.

August 23, 2014
Researchers Hack Android and Expose Security Flaws

Android has become one giant monster of a success with over 50 per cent of market share. It has been integrated across multiple devices and is gaining new grounds each day. Its evolution has been appreciated and its next operating system, the Android L will come out soon. But it seems like researchers at the Riverside, University of California, are about to throw a wrench in the works of the Android.

The research team hacked into the Android operating system by disguising malicious software in the form of an app. What was a surprising find was that Gmail was one of the easiest app to hack, and the researchers had a success rate of 92% in hacking the app. So its probably not a good idea to leave your compromising information in your Gmail account.

The researchers say that there is a misconception in people’s minds that mobile apps cannot interact with each other; this hack will show that it’s a myth. They also made clear that they tried the hack on Android, but it might work on iOS and Windows OS too, as they too allow apps to access shared memory on the device.

Gmail was one of the easiest apps to hack.

The researchers brought forward some serious security flaws in the system. They were able to track all that the user was doing on their phone.

They were able to hack into apps like H&R Block, Amazon, Newegg, WebMD and Chase Bank. The Chase bank app’s hack revealed some stomach-churning revelation. The bank allows users to pay in checks by just taking the image of the checks. The researchers were able to hack the app and steal the image thereby gaining access to the user’s bank details and signature, which is really scary.

Google, on the other hand, said that it appreciated the efforts of the researchers. They say that this kind of research teaches them some important lessons that will help to make their system stronger and more efficient.

At a time when major enterprises are shifting to the mobile solutions for their businesses, this hack might create some hurdles for the device and operating system companies. Hopefully, now that the hackability of the system has been established, the companies will seriously consider the issue and resolve it as soon as possible. And the researchers should keep going on doing their good work.

August 23, 2014
Microsoft to Unveil Windows 9 in September

Windows enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for the next Windows offering after being disappointed by the Windows 8. Microsoft has currently named the upcoming operating system (OS), Windows Threshold, which is widely expected to change to Windows 9. The leaks about this new OS make us anticipate a better user experience in comparison to the previous generation OS.

The Verge reports that the company is planning to set a press event on the tentative date of 30th September. This event is supposedly an unveiling of beta version of Windows 9. This report is in line with the earlier ZDNet report which stated that the company was planning on unveiling a preview version in late September or early October.

The Windows 9 preview is expected to showcase the new updated Start Menu that will make a return after its departure in Windows 8. The release is also expected to do away with the charms bar and will bring in many interface changes. Windows was also planning to bring a Cortana like voice assistant into its desktop operating system, but it is unclear whether that will be presented at the event.

Windows 9 is expected to come with various UI updates.

It seems like Microsoft is taking a page out of Apple’s book. Apple had done a beta release of its upcoming Mac OSX Yosemite for the developers. It is also planning to bring Siri like personal assistant to the desktop systems. It will be interesting to see if Microsoft has learnt the lessons from its previous OS adventure and how it corrects them in this version. The company plans to bring in an update for the Windows Phone version too.

It seems like the time for a unified operating systems for phones and computers is nearing. These interlinking of phone and desktop OS will definitely make our interactions with computers faster as we won’t have through multiple operating systems. Microsoft, which has seen a lot of criticism for destroying Nokia, as well as the recent jobs cuts, can really use some positive news right about now.

August 22, 2014
The QBracelet that Charges the phone, is a Bracelet you need

Making a smartphone last an entire day is a pain, a real pain. Going about your day you are always checking out the percentage point of precious juice that is left inside the phone. Lugging around a battery-pack everywhere is not convenient, well not until now…

A Start-up company named Q Designs is trying to take away your battery worries in style. The company has come out with a bracelet, called the Qbracelet, that charges your phone on the move, while looking good. The device is capable of charging the phone upto 60% which will definitely ease your mind for the course of the day.

Just Pull it off your hands and plug it in.

From the looks of it the Qbracelet appears thick as thinning the design would have affected the charging potential. But even with their size limitation, the hefty band looks appealing and has been crafted well.

The Qbracelet wraps around your wrists and when you need to juice up your phone just take it off and plug it into your phone. Using it is as easy as blowing into a whistle.

A Stylish Accessory that can be worn everyday

Qbracelet makes a Power statement too

The bracelet shaped device is available for iOS as well as Android devices. The makers took special care to get the look just right so that it was functional but would be flauntworthy too. It comes in Black, Gold and Silver color options. It also comes in multiple size options for Men and Women. Now this is one must have accessory for the technology age.

August 22, 2014
Google Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary of its IPO Debut

Google has come a long way in a short period of time. From a simple search engine to a global multinational conglomerate, it is now a brand that the entire world recognizes. Google’s IPO marks its ten year anniversary today.

The company’s humble beginnings and meteoric rise has been written about in countless media spaces. Their initial product was the internet service which archived the webpages and made their discovery super easy. It helped Google to become the cornerstone of the internet. It wouldn’t be wrong, neither would it be an exaggeration, to say that Google is now the gateway to the internet. But surprisingly this tech giant’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) back in 2004 saw pretty much the same response from the financial market that the Facebook IPO would face a few years later.

Folks at Google and investors must be pleased with their career graph

The folks at Google had originally estimated price range of $108-$135 per share but ultimately ended up with $85 per share price for their 19.6 million shares offering. Many industry watchers believed that Google was a fad and just the way Google replaced Yahoo, someone else would come replace Google too. Google apparently had better ideas for its future prospects than the market experts.

Since that time, Google’s graph has gone nowhere but up apart from, of course, the financial meltdown of 2008. Its stock has grown by 1293% in the ten years of its existence. Though it is a huge leap for the company, its courtroom and market adversary Apple has grown 4274% in the same period, thanks to the little devices called iPod and iPhone along with its other products.

Google now has its arms in almost all fields of technology. From Email services, to Operating systems and of course being the industry leaders in the smartphone business. Along with these, the company also is actively interested in and invests in real world infrastructural innovation. From robots to self-driving cars, Google intends to create the technology-aided future of tomorrow.

The company now has an audacious plan of bringing in High speed internet connectivity to the burgeoning markets of Asia. This will further create a bigger market that consumes Google products, thereby a sure-shot profitable investment. So if you are buying a Google IPO now, that is if you can afford one, you can be sure that your money is efficiently working for you.

August 21, 2014
Lava Brings Out The Quad Core Lava Iris Pro 30+

Lava has launched an updated Iris Pro 30 which will be known as Pro 30+. The new phone came about seven months after the last phone and features a few new updates.

The Lava Iris Pro 30+ goes from a 1.2 GHz dual core processor of the predecessor to a 1.5 GHz quad-core Mediatek 6589 turbo processor. The device comes with 1GB RAM. The major upgrade has been the internal storage. The Iris Pro 30+ takes a leap from the 4 GB internal memory of Iris 30 and takes it to a more functional 16 GB, which is expandable up to 32 GB. The graphics on the device are powered by PowerVR SGX544 GPU clocked at 357 MHz.

The main camera on the Iris Pro 30+ is a 13 MP shooter with a BSI II sensor having a size of 1/3.2 inch and 1.1 micron Omni BSI-II pixel architecture to capture images in low-light. It supports full HD video recording. The 3 MP front camera on the device would be appreciated by selfie enthusiasts.

Like its predecessor, the device has a 4.7 inch, 1280×720 display with a pixel density of 312 ppi. The device really disappoints in the fact that it comes with Android Jellybean 4.2.2 out of the box. An Android Kitkat update would have made this phone more attractive. In times when companies are being judged by the speed of updates, Lava should have taken more care in the operating system department.

The phone supports USB OTG and is powered by a 2000 mAh battery. The phone is priced at Rs.11,990 and will be exclusively available on Amazon.in bundled with a 16 GB memory card. The sale will start from 1pm onwards on August 26. Now considering the price and the outdated operating system, a free memory card would hardly matter. You’d be better off being in line and spending a few more bucks for a Xiaomi phone.

If Lava wants the phone to work, it should come up with an updated operating system as soon as possible.

August 21, 2014
A Transparent Glass That Generates Solar Energy

We have lots of avenues from where we can generate energy without having to touch the biochemical fuel made of prehistoric organisms. There is tremendous potential in the Sun and Wind to generate electricity. But the roof mounted solar cells are passé, its time to let the modern glass based architecture, pay for themselves and their maintenance costs by covering them with transparent solar concentrators.

Researchers at the Michigan State University have developed transparent solar energy concentrators that can someday be used as window glass. Not just that, it can be used to make display panels for mobile phones or devices with flat surfaces. So you can easily imagine a future where phones will be able to charge themselves. Talk about a revolutionary idea. The study was featured in the journal Advanced Optical Materials.

The technology can be used to make windows that can generate energy for the office

There have been previous efforts into the technology, but most of the time the material in the end was either too inefficient or was colored. A solar concentrator glass needs to be transparent to have some practical value. Most of the glass around us is transparent and colored glass can only be used for decorative purposes and not on office windows.

The new glass material has been developed by Richard Lunt, assistant professor of chemical engineering and materials science, and his team. The material used in this transparent concentrator uses small organic molecules to absorb specific non-visible wavelengths of sunlight. These materials do not absorb light from the visible spectrum and hence appear transparent.

These panels can be tuned to pick up light from ultraviolet and near-infrared wavelengths that then glow at another wavelength of infrared. This glowing infrared light is then directed towards the edge of the panel where it is used to generate electricity using photovoltaic cells.

The ultimate intention of the research team is to make unobtrusive and almost invisible. This will also ease out the process of creating an off grid system where buildings can generate the electricity they need on their own.

As the project is still in the first steps, the efficiency of these concentrators is at roughly 1 percent. The panel is expected to achieve 5 per cent efficiency when fully optimized. For some perspective, it’s important to know that even the most capable colored concentrator has an efficiency of about 7 per cent. This just tells us that we still have to make huge strides in unlocking the full potential of the sun.

August 21, 2014
Smart Cap : A DIY Google Glass Replica Made For Only Rs.4500

We love to get ‘inspired.’ Our Bollywood movies are predominantly ‘inspired’ by previous works by other filmmakers who in-turn get their inspiration from others. But sometimes these inspirations lead to some cool new inventions like a Google Glass replica that costs a meager Rs. 4500 in comparison to the hefty price tag of Google’s Augmented glasses.

Though the Smart Cap looks rudimentary, it is quite functional

Now Cochin-based Arvind Sanjeev has invented the “Smart Cap” which is basically a nerdier version of the sleek Google Glass. Now we, of course, need to cut him some slack as he didn’t have huge monetary resources backing those researchers at Google X.

Arvind’s design though rudimentary is pretty functional. The raw materials that went into making the smart cap are easily available. The Smart cap uses a USB Webcam, an LCD panel, aspheric lens, headphones, a Raspberry Pi Board, a sun board sheet and glue which is a DIY guy’s favorite tool.

Now since creating an operating system would have been a long task, Arvind went with open Android as the OS for Smart cap. The front of the cap has the camera, the Raspberry Pi board, and 2.5 inch LCD display mounted on it. To make the LCD display legible at such close distance, he used an aspheric lens.

The Smart cap works by taking commands using the microphone on the headset. The device can help you with navigation, Google search, YouTube, webcam recording and first person viewing of other cameras, etc.

Smart Cap can be used to access maps, send emails, take photos and more.

What is really appreciable is that he put the entire project in DIY and posted it for anyone to create their own smart cap. He has been doing this for a while and has uploaded several DIY tutorials. He also owns a start-up called A.R.S devices which make devices for automation, connected devices and safety purposes. He has in line for a hardware patent which will let you control your car using a smartphone app. Now that’s an app we’d all love to have.

Even though the Smart Cap is inspired by Google Glass, Arvind’s audacity and patience in creating this device is commendable. The value of DIY has always been to bring replicated expensive technology and attaining similar levels of functionality using cheaper alternatives. The Smart cap stands up to the value, and though it looks rudimentary, it is pretty dope, almost like a prop from a sci-fi movie about robots. So if you have the talent of DIY, then go ahead, get in the game and teach the world how to make some awesome stuff inexpensively.

August 20, 2014
LG Might Bring Out the G Watch 2 at IFA Berlin

The tech evolution is happening at break neck speed. Just a few months after introducing the G Watch and bringing it out for the consumers, LG might already be ready to bring out the G Watch 2 at the upcoming IFA fair in Berlin.

It is probably the first time that the second generation has been ready to roll out so quickly after the debut product. This is also more than a rumor as it was an LG official who told KoreaTimes about the release.

The Second Generation G Watch is expected to have an OLED display.

The new LG G Watch 2 is expected to have an OLED panel which has nearly become synonymous with LG. Firstly, the OLED panel would definitely help in creating a better display and secondly will help for innovations in fields of battery usage and graphics.

The watch is also expected to be powered by a Qualcomm chipset. It was earlier reported that LG would utilize Odin chipset that it has been developing internally. However, new reports say that they are not ready for the market just yet.

If LG gets this right, it may prove to be a major competition in the burgeoning Smartwatch business. The company will face some intense competition from the Moto 360 and Apple iWatch, both of which are expected to arrive in the market soon. Being the only company with two generations of Android Wear devices, LG has a good chance to carve its luck in the Smartwatch market.

August 20, 2014
The Windows Phone Everyone Wanted : HTC One M8 for Windows Out

Talk about an unfortunate day for companies who wanted to keep their products a surprise till the release date. After Samsung had a major boo boo with the AnTuTu specs leaks, its HTC’s time to face some leak music. The worst part of the HTC leak is that it was done not through some leakster sitting in his bedroom but by telecom giant Verizon.

The HTC One M8 for Windows was officially supposed to release at a function later today in New York but its just too hard for some folks to wait that long. It seems like one of the posters for the One M8 which was supposed to be put up after the release, went up at one Verizon store, where the internet got hold of it.

The Poster that spoilt everything

The poster has a huge photo of the One M8 exteriors along with the Windows 8.1 tiles view on the UI. It uses the tagline “built to inspire envy” has one important line that blows up the entire surprise that HTC had in store for its fans. The bottom half of the poster says available in Android and Windows.

What was really a good move on the part of HTC is not bring the phone under the name HTC One W8 as was previously speculated. Keeping the name common keeps the focus on the features of the phone instead of the user interface used to access those features.

On the specifications front, there aren’t going to be a lot many changes in the two variants. The HTC One M8 for Windows Phone version will hold the dual camera setup with a 4-UltraPixel rear camera with a depth-sensing camera, apart from a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. It’s processing might is expected to come from a 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor coupled with 2GB of RAM. It is expected to retain the 2600mAh battery along with its a 5-inch full-HD display.

It seems like with this release HTC wants to compete on both the two prominent, non iOS operating systems. It is also beneficial for Windows to have the support of a recognized, premium product running their OS, thereby making their OS more visible. For the consumers, it gives a real alternative for folks who want a Windows device from a prominent brand. This release seems like a win-win for all.

August 19, 2014
Note 4 Specs Leaked Just Weeks Before Release

Misery strikes at the worst possible time. Samsung executives responsible for Note 4 release are going to have a terrible day. All the prominent specs for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 4 have been leaked online and boy, are they impressive!

The leak happened on benchmarks app AnTuTu. First of all, the biggest expectation from Samsung was the introduction of a 2K screen on the Note 4 and Samsung didn’t disappoint. The phablet will sport a massive 5.7 inch, 1440 x 2560 QHD Super AMOLED display.

The device is expected to run Android KitKat 4.4.4 right out of the box. The leaked Antutu device has an Exynos 5433 octa core processor which comes with an updated Mali GPU. If Samsung follows its usual plan of action, one can expect a Snapdragon 805 variant to come in select markets.

The Device is also expected to take a departure from the faux leather back panel.

The camera on the device is a 16 MP shooter with optical image stabilization. It also has features like dual shot and simultaneous HD video and image recording. The front camera on the device is 2 MP selfie camera capable of shooting 1080p at 30 FPS.

Considering the massive price point of the Note 4, the company can easily provide a 32 GB and 64 GB variants and the icing on the cake will be expandable storage upto 128 GB, as per the specifications from GSMArena, this seems to be true.

The Note 4, officially will be unveiled September 3rd at an event scheduled to take place simultaneously in Berlin, Beijing, and New York.

August 19, 2014
Happn: An App That Makes Love at First Sight Easy

If you are a romantic then you can imagine a scenario where you come across that perfect mate like in the movies. Things in real life though don’t work that way, most of the time its awkward smiles or just a struggle to avoid eye contact. To make life simpler to folks who are looking for a person with similar tastes but just don’t have the time to swipe through countless profiles, here comes Happn.

But how in a world of online dating dominated by Tinder, what can this app do that the rest can’t? Well, instead of using many parameters to judge the suitability, Happn simply uses a phone’s GPS to bring you extremely localized lists of potential companions. The catch, of course is that both sides need to have the app on their ends.

Distance is the prominent parameter used by Happn. The app scans an area of 250 meters to find an ideal mate for you. This is also a great way of just meeting new friends too.

Privacy and safety issues maybe a concern in people’s mind that might dissuade them from trying the app. The creators make it clear that none of the personal information is stored or saved. It basically tries to create a database of folks you randomly meet in the course of the day that you can scroll through at the end of the day to find the ones who interest you. Once you have found the right person, you can send them messages through the app.

Apps like Tinder gives you a huge list of folks to swipe through. A Facebook profile is not an ideal judgment of a person. Happn clears all that mess and lets you meet people who are or have been in your vicinity and make it easy to find them.

The app is rapidly broadening its user base and has a good number of users in the creators home country of France. The app is available for iOS as well as Android. So if you are lonely and ready to mingle, your perfect wingman, your smartphone, now has an extra trick up its sleeve. So what are you waiting for, go out and make things Happn.

August 19, 2014
Activision to Pull a Marvel: May Start its Own Movie Studio

You have played those Activision games a million times, they have intricate storylines and some amazing characters. Activision understands the tremendous motion picture potential that they have that is waiting to add multiple zeros to their bank statements.

Activision is famous for its gaming titles such as Call of Duty and Skylanders. The company is inspired by the phenomenal success that Marvel has had since the comic book company unleashed its characters on the big screen. The Marvel Cinematic Universe was one tough nut to crack and Marvel executive managed to achieve it and now are reaping the glory. Activision wants to follow suit and bring out films on which it has complete control.

Usually the producers who are interested in a title ask for rights of characters from comic characters and games. After buying the rights the producers can decide on the script and treatment of the story. But in the case of Marvel, the company wanted to have control over the decisions of the films and so established their own movie studio.

Activision intends to have such control when it establishes the movie studio. There is a huge market full of gamers who would simply love to watch their favorite character played by Hollywood stars. They can easily come back to their games and create a personalized version of the story in their home consoles. As of now Activision isn’t opening its cards and is not commenting on the issue but they realize the prospects of a movie business are huge. They should move fast before the other studios get ahead of them. We are waiting and getting our popcorns ready. Activision, show us what you got.

August 19, 2014