Category: Android

Fitbit Launches Blaze Smartwatch in India

Fitbit’s Blaze smartwatch arrives in India and is up for preorder today while availability with retailers all over the world starts in March.The watch boasts of features like compatibility with over 200 Android, iOS and Windows devices and a battery that lasts up to 5 days, according to Fitbit.

The watch comes equipped with a sleep-tracker, GPS and Bluetooth Smart which notifies the user of calls, texts and calendars notifications. The user can also accept or reject calls using the watch when its connected to a compatible smartphone. On-screen controls also allows the user to navigate and play music from the connected smartphone. PurePulse feature of Blaze tracks the heart-rate of the user and helps make training routines more efficient.

Blaze seems high on design with its interchangeable bands, modular design and a high resolution colour touchscreen. It has a stainless steel display which further has three options to choose from -black, mist grey and camel. There is another option of a Luxe stainless steel band paired with the display frame available in silver.

The watch is priced at Rs. 19,999 and has three colour variants for the band -black, blue and plum. The company promises additional changeable accessories for the watch soon.

January 6, 2016
OnePlus 2 Mini Leaked in Benchmarks

OnePlus has been busy this year trying to expand its smartphone lineup. The company not only released a 5.5-inch OnPlus 2 a couple of months ago, but also a smaller 5-inch OnePlus X. But OnePlus isn’t quite happy just yet. It looks like the company is planning to go even smaller with a 4.6-inch OnePlus Mini. Apparently, GFXBench has data on an alleged OnePlus Mini device that was recently discovered.

Now its important to know that there is very little credibility to this data as it is possible for anyone to spoof a device on the internet. However, if the benchmark does turn out true, it would take one back a couple of months when people were confused whether the OnePlus X is actually the OnePlus Mini.

OnePlus 2

The OnePlus device listed would feature a 4.6-inch, 1080p display, a Snapdragon 810 SoC, potentially 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, a 12-megapixel rear camera, a 5-megapixel front, all running on Android 5.1.1 OS.

There is some credibility to the story if one remembers the confusion behind OnePlus X being called OnePlus Mini before launch. While the OnePlus X came with a complete design change, going for an Onyx and glass and the limited edition Ceramic bodies, the OnePlus Mini will likely be a miniaturised version of the OnePlus 2. If this is the case, then the company will likely go with the same design aesthetics as it did with the OnePlus 2.

Source

December 15, 2015
New Yahoo App Helps You Find Your Favourite Shows And Movies

Ever find yourself in a state where you just have to watch a new TV show or movie but just don’t know where to begin? Yes, there are a number of streaming sites out there that cater to the movie and TV junkie in you, but seldom do you find someone to tell you where to start. Yahoo has heard your plight and has come out with an app that generously tells you what to watch and where you can watch it.

The app is called Yahoo Video Guide runs through all of your available services to find where your favorite shows are playing. Once it does that, a simple click will take you to that episode or movie if it is available from one of your streaming services. The app also lets you purchase the videos as well.

But that’s not all the app does. We all have preferences based on our current mood. So, the app also features a Mood Picker, which suggests videos based on your mood. There are GIFs that correspond to your current state of emotions. Pick the GIF and the app will do the rest.

Yahoo Video Guide is available for free from Google Play Store for Android users, and the App Store for iOS users. The app is yet to be made available globally.

December 12, 2015
Google’s Now on Tap Makes it Easier to Take Screenshots with Android

Android users running on Marshmallow will no longer need to awkwardly take screenshots. A new update to Now on Tap gives you an easy option to take screenshots minus the lingering in your Gallery. Yes, the new update will let you take temporary screenshots, share it with whomsoever you want, and will get rid of the image after you’re done.

You will now see a share button at the bottom left corner of Now On Tap’s pop up menu. Generally, screenshots are for instant sharing of say a game score you want to brag about or some interesting meme you found on the internet and just had to send it to your friends, after which you really won’t be needing that ever again.

Furthermore, there needs to be a better way to take screenshots without having to press down on the Volume Down and Power Button together. And let’s admit it, getting the timing right isn’t always easy.

Now on Tap takes care of both these issues. When you tap the share button, it takes a temporary screenshot that you can share through Twitter, post it to Facebook, or send it as a text. Once you’ve shared the image, the screengrab disappears rather than fill up your precious internal storage. However, if you do choose to keep it around for a while longer, you can by simply sharing it Google Photos or Gallery.

It’s a neat little update that helps declutter your phone of screenshots as well as provides an elegant way to take them as well. The update will rollout everywhere over the next few days.

December 12, 2015
Over 70% Android Users Run an OS Which is More Than 2 Years Old

Google revealed earlier this week that 71.6% of Android users are still using the pre-Lollipop version of the OS. The divisions are as follows: 36.6% of devices are still running Android 4.4 KitKat, while a 26.9% of users are still running various versions of Jelly Bean. While the latter was released in 2012 and hasn’t seen an update since October 2013, the former first arrived two years ago.

As for iOS users, a huge 70% of them are running iOS 9 which came out only in September this year. Additionally, iOS 8 is being used to run about 92% Apple devices, an OS released not more than 16 months ago.

Though Android 6.0 Marshmallow has enough things to like about it, many users will have to wait another couple of months before they are able to run it on their devices. The contrast between iOS and Android updates offers an interesting picture. Perhaps the inertia and stagnation which sets in once the users become accustomed to running a specific OS makes them shy away from updates. Other than the availability of the OS what else do you think could keep users away from updating their Android devices?

Source: BGR

December 10, 2015
Cortana Comes to iOS and Android, With Especial Features for Cyanogen

Microsoft revealed in an official announcement that Cortana is now available on select iOS, Android and Cyanogen OS powered devices. It is available in the US and China for iPhones running iOS 8 and above and Android 4.1.2 and above. For OnePlus One powered by Cyanogen OS in the US, it will be made available later this month with the 12.1.1 over-the-air update.

“…as a result of our close partnership with Cyanogen, we created a more integrated experience to enable Cortana’s voice activation ‘Hey Cortana’ on Cyanogen devices so you can call on her while on any screen or when you’re immersed in an app,” says Microsoft.

The Android and the iOS version of Cortana look pretty much the same as the Windows version that came out earlier this year in July. However, there will be some differences in the capabilities of the assistant across various operating systems owing to API availability of the respective platforms.

It would be interesting to see if Cortana on an iOS device makes its mark. Features like “Hey Cortana” hands-free capability and SMS replies from the PC for missed calls would be missing on iPhones, putting the voice-enabled personal assistant at a disadvantage over Siri. In a recent survey where Cortana, Siri and Google Now were put to test, Siri had emerged as the winner in accuracy. Let’s see if Cortana’s presence on Android and iOS devices can change that. It’s available in the App Store and the Google Play Store in the US as of now.

December 10, 2015
Micromax Takes on Samsung ON Phones Launches Canvas Mega

Micromax is taking on Samsung’s budget On series by launching its own Canvas Mega series – the Canvas Mega E353 and the Canvas Mega 4G. The first phone in the series – the Canvas Mega E353 comes with a 5.5 inch vivid HD IPS display, powered by a 1.4GHz Octa Core processor, has a 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM. On the camera front it has a 13MP primary camera and a 5MP FF front camera, to top it off, the entire device runs on a 2,820mAh battery.

The second device is called the canvas Mega 4G and comes with a 5.5. inch vivid HD IPS display, powered by the 1.3GHz quad core processor. On the storage front it comes with a 3 GB RAM and a 16GB ROM. It has a 13MP rear camera and 5MP FF front camera and comes with 4G LTE connection compatibility. The 4G handset is powered by a 2,500mAh battery.

The Canvas Mega E353 will be priced at Rs.7,999 while the Canvas Mega 4G will be priced at Rs.10,999.

December 9, 2015
Google CEO Sundar Pichai to Launch Revamped Android One in India

News has been going around that Google CEO Sundar Pichai will be in India for the first time since his new appointment as CEO. Reports also highlighted that Pichai will be meeting PM Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee. Now, new reports suggest that Pichai will be launching the Android One version 2 in India.

An event is scheduled to be held on December 16 and invites have been sent out already that reads, “At Google, we believe that technology can change people’s lives for the better. Indians are coming online at an astonishing rate with affordable smartphones. These new users have a completely fresh view on what the Internet has to offer. Please block your date for an event with Google as we outline our vision for these users.”

The invite refers to affordable phones that lets new users access to the internet. Google had launched the sub-Rs. 3000 Android One phones last year, but they failed to get noticed due to the onslaught of Chinese makers.

India was the first country to release Android One devices that comprised of four phones – Micromax Canvas A1, Karbonn Sparkle V, Spice Dream UNO, and Lava Pixel V1. All except Spice Dream UNO are now upgradeable to Marshmallow OS.

While the first version failed to make an impact, Google has been talking of a revamped Android One for the Indian market. The company plans to launch the sub-Rs. 3000 Android device as part of Google’s (as well as PM Modi’s) push for a connected India.

December 7, 2015
Yu Announces Cyanogen And Android Updates for Yuphoria

Yuphoria has announced that the 12.1 Cyanogen update would start rolling out starting today, along with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and software version: YOG4PAS47N. The update will be rolled out in phases over the coming two weeks and include features like app drawers and folders redesigned to enhance accessibility.

LiveDisplay would be able to adjust the screen based on environmental conditions and Calendar Together with Email would let the user share availability and schedule appointments. Additionally, the company also promises an enhanced and smoother user interface, along with substantially increased support of codecs for video and audio playback

December 4, 2015
Xiaomi To Roll Out Marshmallow Update For the Mi 4 and Mi Note Soon

Android 6.0 Marshmallow has been making the rounds pretty efficiently and is now expected to reach Xiaomi’s Mi 4 and Mi Note very soon. This piece of information was revealed in a Weibo post by Xiaomi’s MIUI operations manager.

Xiaomi Mi 4

If this does happen, then the Mi 4 and Mi Note would be the first of Xiaomi’s devices to receive the Marshmallow update. Further reports also suggest that the update will not bring a change to the company’s interface.

Mi Note Pink Edition

The Xiaomi Mi 4 flaunts a 5 inch 1920 x 1080 pixels IPS display and is powered by a 2.5 GHz Quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor paired with 3 GB of RAM. The handset gets in juice from a 3,080mAh battery.

The Mi Note flaunts a 5.7-inch 1080p display, is powered by a Snapdragon 801 processor and comes with 3 GB RAM. The phablet is available in 16 and 32 GB variants and is fueled by 3000mAh battery.

December 4, 2015
Nexus Devices to Get Android Update with New Emoji Next Week

Good news for all Nexus users -stock Android Nexus devices are all set to receive an update as well as new emoji next week. Android’s Hiroshi Lockheimer announced on his Twitter handle that the new emoji will require a “new keyboard, new font, new code”. This, in turn, means a new system update is very much on its way. These designs will be part of the Unicod 8.0 standard, already been incorporated by Apple iOS 9.1

Look! New emoji coming to #Nexus next week. Fonts and tech details shared with OEMs to include in their updates too. pic.twitter.com/GwvKw2d67p

— Hiroshi Lockheimer (@lockheimer) December 3, 2015

However, those without a Nexus phone will have to wait longer for the update to arrive. Lockheimer stays mum on other new features and says he doesn’t want to “spoil all the surprises.”

Get prepared for new emoji -a lion, crab and unicorn -next week if you own a Nexus device. As for Android users without a Nexus device, hang in there for a little bit longer and the update shall be soon on its way.

December 3, 2015
Motorola Testing Marshmallow On Moto X Pure

We are aware that Motorola’s Moto X Pure Edition will soon be receiving the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update. Further reports suggest that David Shuster, Motorola’s Senior Director of Software Product Management, announced that Motorola has started the soak test for the update.

Last month Motorola had sent out the update to a couple of devices on a simple test drive, but this time around the real soak test will begin. If everything goes according to plan, then Motorola will be ready to launch it eventually. So, the Moto X Pure Edition should begin receiving this update in a couple of weeks.

The update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow is expected to bring significant changes such as the new Google Now on Tap, a granular permission model, improved volume controls, as well as a smart battery saving feature called Doze.

https://youtu.be/Kq06uPwt188

The Moto X Pure Edition is priced at $399 and comes with a 5.7″ 1440p Quad HD display and front-facing stereo speakers, 21MP primary camera and a 5MP secondary camera, 4k video capture, has a 3000 mAh battery with TurboPower charging, is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 808, has a 3GB LPDDR3 RAM, and 16GB/32GB/64GB internal memory that is expandable up to 128GB via a microSD card slot.

December 2, 2015
Android Users Are Switching To iOS Faster Than Ever Before

Newly found reports suggest that the number of Android users switching to iOS is increasing. The Consumer Intelligence Research Partners report indicates that 26% of people who bought the iPhone 6s switched over from Android within the first month itself.

“The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus launch attracted a greater percentage of Android owners compared to a year ago,” explains Mike Levin, Partner and Co-Founder of CIRP.

Statistics show that previously, Android switchers accounted for 12% of iPhone 6 buyers and 23% of iPhone 5s buyers. However, this year’s reports have exceeded both the previous stats. Here is a CIRP chart showing the percentage of iPhone buyers who are switching over from Android:

Further reports also suggest that iPhone buyers are switching to buying the larger iPhone models this year. Here’s a table:

The above table indicates that the sales for the iPhone 6s Plus accounted for 37% of sales of new iPhone models this year, whereas the iPhone 6 Plus accounted for just 25% of new model sales in 2014; and thereby proving the second point. Overall, Apple seems to be moving forward in its goal of capturing the smartphone market slowly but steadily.

Source

December 2, 2015
Here’s a List Of Android Games You Must Play This Week

We cannot even remember the time when mobile phones were only used to make a call and send a text, today we can do almost everything on it. One of those many things include modes of entertainment; and we are here to bring you a list of six Android games that you must play this week.

December 1, 2015
The Indian Railways Website Just Beat Flipkart and Amazon In Numbers

Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corp (IRCTC) has emerged as India’s biggest online marketplace, beating out competition from Flipkart, Amazon and the like. IRCTC generated a revenue of two hundred and six billion rupees ($3 billion) in their last financial year solely based on online sales; this number is almost double Filpkart’s yearly turnover.

IRCTC had an increase in their turnover as compared to the previous year by 34%, and this has probably been due to the fact that the website has taken steps in order to upgrade their otherwise slow interface this year. This resulted in a record of taking 1.34 million ticket reservations in one day.

“Bulk of the sales may be attributed to IRCTC’s rapid growth in e-ticketing which has been due to its interface and setting up of a very robust process,” said Sandip Dutta, IRCTC’s Public Relations Officer.

This speed has also been upgraded to book 7,200 tickets per minute as compared to the earlier 2,000 tickets per minute. With all these upgrades the battle between the three online e-commerce websites – Amazon, Flipkart and IRCTC, seems to have its final result. However, since IRCTC isn’t really in direct competition with either of the two; they have tied up with Amazon India for the next two years as its preferred shopping partner. More power to you Indian Railways.

November 28, 2015